Source: Excerpt from the book "Ahkām wa Masā’il Kitāb-o-Sunnat ki Roshni Main" by Shaykh Mubashir Ahmad Rabbani
What is the ruling on wearing a wristwatch?
Many people discourage it, claiming it resembles women. Is this correct?
There is no harm whatsoever in wearing a wristwatch, and the claim that it constitutes imitation of women (tashabbuh bil-nisā’) is incorrect.
✔ Men’s and women’s watches are typically different in style and design.
✔ Even if they happen to be similar in appearance, it still does not make it impermissible, just as rings are commonly worn by both men and women, and are permissible for both.
✔ Moreover, a wristwatch is not primarily worn for adornment, but rather for a functional purpose—to know the time.
✦ Wearing a watch is permissible and does not resemble women,
✦ It serves a practical need, not merely beautification,
✦ Therefore, there is no Islamic basis for prohibiting it.
❖ Question:
What is the ruling on wearing a wristwatch?
Many people discourage it, claiming it resembles women. Is this correct?
❖ Answer:
There is no harm whatsoever in wearing a wristwatch, and the claim that it constitutes imitation of women (tashabbuh bil-nisā’) is incorrect.
❖ Key Clarifications:
✔ Men’s and women’s watches are typically different in style and design.
✔ Even if they happen to be similar in appearance, it still does not make it impermissible, just as rings are commonly worn by both men and women, and are permissible for both.
✔ Moreover, a wristwatch is not primarily worn for adornment, but rather for a functional purpose—to know the time.
Conclusion:
✦ Wearing a watch is permissible and does not resemble women,
✦ It serves a practical need, not merely beautification,
✦ Therefore, there is no Islamic basis for prohibiting it.
