Sahih Muslim
Sahih Muslim 2067 g
The Prohibition Of Using Vessels Of Gold And Silver For Men And Women, And Gold Rings And Silk For Men, But They Are Permissible For Women. Permissibility Of Silken Borders On Garments For Men, But It Should Not Be More Than Four Fingers Wide
Arabic hadith text
حَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ عَبْدِ اللَّهِ بْنِ نُمَيْرٍ، حَدَّثَنَا أَبِي، حَدَّثَنَا سَيْفٌ، قَالَ سَمِعْتُ مُجَاهِدًا، يَقُولُ سَمِعْتُ عَبْدَ الرَّحْمَنِ بْنَ أَبِي لَيْلَى، قَالَ اسْتَسْقَى حُذَيْفَةُ فَسَقَاهُ مَجُوسِيٌّ فِي إِنَاءٍ مِنْ فِضَّةٍ فَقَالَ إِنِّي سَمِعْتُ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم يَقُولُ "لاَ تَلْبَسُوا الْحَرِيرَ وَلاَ الدِّيبَاجَ وَلاَ تَشْرَبُوا فِي آنِيَةِ الذَّهَبِ وَالْفِضَّةِ وَلاَ تَأْكُلُوا فِي صِحَافِهَا فَإِنَّهَا لَهُمْ فِي الدُّنْيَا" .
Translation
'Abd al-Rahmin b. Abu Laili reported that Hudhaifa asked for water and a Magian gave him water in a silver vessel, whereupon he said
I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) as saying: Do not wear silk or brocade and do not drink ifi vessels of gold and silver, and do not eat in the dishes made of them (i. e. gold and silver), for these are for them (the non-believers) in this world.
The Book of Clothes and Adornment - Sahih Muslim 2067g
This prohibition from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) establishes a clear distinction between the believers and non-believers in matters of worldly adornment. Silk and brocade represent luxury fabrics that cultivate vanity, while gold and silver vessels promote extravagance contrary to Islamic values of moderation.
Scholarly Commentary
The prohibition applies specifically to men, as women are permitted silk for legitimate adornment. This distinction reflects the different roles and responsibilities assigned to each gender in Islamic law.
Gold and silver utensils are forbidden for use because they represent hoarding wealth in forms that should circulate as currency, and their use mimics the practices of arrogant rulers and wealthy non-believers.
The phrase "for these are for them in this world" indicates that such luxuries are the portion of disbelievers in this temporal life, while believers reserve their enjoyment for the eternal paradise.
Exceptions and Applications
Medical necessity permits limited use of silk for men when required for treatment of skin conditions or other health issues.
Scholars permit silver in small quantities for functional purposes, such as ring settings or sword decorations, when not used for ostentation.
The prohibition extends to all items used for eating and drinking, including spoons, forks, and other utensils made from precious metals.