Definition of Utensils and the Original Ruling
Utensils here refers to vessels used for storing food, water and the like, whether they are made of iron or wood, of leather, or of any other metal.
The original ruling regarding the use of utensils is permissibility, so any utensil that is clean is permissible to use.
However, the use of the following utensils is forbidden:
The Prohibition of Gold and Silver Utensils
Vessels that are made of pure gold or silver, or in which gold or silver is mixed, or which are plated with any of these metals — the use of all of them is forbidden.
Yes! If a broken vessel is joined with a gold or silver wire, then it is permitted.
The Command of the Prophet ﷺ: Gold and Silver Vessels Are Prohibited
“لا تشربوا في آنية الذهب والفضة، ولا تأكلوا في صحافهما؛ فإنها لهم في الدنيا، ولكم في الآخرة”
Translation: Do not drink from vessels of gold and silver, nor eat from their plates; for these things are for them (the disbelievers) in this world, and for you in the Hereafter.
Strong Warning Against Drinking from Silver Vessels
“الَّذِي يَشْرَبُ فِي إِنَاءِ الْفِضَّةِ إِنَّمَا يُجَرْجِرُ فِي بَطْنِهِ نَارَ جَهَنَّمَ”
Translation: The one who drinks from a silver vessel is filling his belly with the fire of Hell.
Permission to Join a Broken Vessel with Silver
“أَنَّ قَدَحَ النَّبِيِّ – صلى الله عليه وسلم – اِنْكَسَرَ، فَاتَّخَذَ مَكَانَ الشَّعْبِ سِلْسِلَةً مِنْ فِضَّةٍ”
Translation: A cup of the Prophet ﷺ broke, so he had a silver chain fastened in place of the broken part.
The Fatwa of Imam al-Nawawi
Imam al-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) says:
“Eating and drinking from vessels of gold and silver, or using them in any way, is forbidden by consensus.”
This Prohibition Applies to Both Men and Women
The ruling of prohibition on use applies equally to men and women.
However, women may use gold and silver in the form of jewellery — not in the form of vessels.
The Ruling on the Vessels of Disbelievers
It is permissible for Muslims to use the vessels of disbelievers, provided there is no impurity on them.
If impurity is felt, they may be washed and then used.
The Ruling on the Skin of a Dead Animal
It is forbidden to use the hide of a dead animal without tanning it.
However, if it is tanned (dabagha), its use is permissible — this is the position of the majority.
The Command of the Prophet ﷺ: Tanning Removes Impurity
“يطهرها الماء والقَرَظ”
Translation: Water and qaraz (a plant similar to the acacia from which hides are tanned) purify it.
The Prophet ﷺ also said:
“دباغ الأديم طهوره”
Translation: The tanning of a hide (dabagh) is its purification.
Wearing Clothes Made or Dyed by Disbelievers
Clothes of disbelievers may be used if there are no traces of impurity on them.
Because:
◈The original state of a thing is purity
◈A ruling does not change through mere doubt
◈The Messenger of Allah ﷺ and the Companions used to wear clothes made by disbelievers
واللہ تعالیٰ اعلم۔
ھذا ما عندی والله اعلم بالصواب
