The Prohibition of Gold for Men in Islam

A Muslim is required to adhere strictly to the laws of Islam. This includes respecting its boundaries, refraining from the forbidden, and complying with its rulings. A true believer must internalize the principle that whatever Islam prohibits is ultimately for our own benefit, and whatever it commands is intended for our well-being. Our Merciful Lord, the Most Generous, only legislates what is best for us. Submission to His command is the essence of Islam.

Among the prohibitions for men in Islam is the use of gold. Below are the evidences:

➊ Gold Ring Removed by the Prophet ﷺ​

Narrated by Abdullah ibn Abbas رضي الله عنه:
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ saw a gold ring on the hand of a man. He removed it and threw it away, saying:
“Would one of you deliberately take a burning coal and place it on his hand?”
After the Prophet ﷺ departed, someone said to the man, “Take your ring and benefit from it.”
He replied, “By Allah, I will never take it back after the Messenger of Allah ﷺ has discarded it.”

Reference: Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2090

➋ Faith in Allah and the Hereafter Requires Abstinence from Gold and Silk​

Narrated by Abu Umamah رضي الله عنه:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day must not wear silk or gold.”

Reference: Musnad Ahmad 5/261 — Chain: Hasan

➌ Turning Away from One Wearing a Gold Ring​

Narrated by Abu Sa‘id al-Khudri رضي الله عنه:
A man from Najran came to the Prophet ﷺ wearing a gold ring. The Prophet ﷺ turned away from him and said:
“You have come to me with a burning coal on your hand.”

References: Sunan an-Nasa'i 5188, Musnad Ahmad 3/14 — Chain: Hasan

➍ Prophet ﷺ Discontinued Wearing Gold​

Narrated by Abdullah ibn Umar رضي الله عنه:
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ used to wear a gold ring. He later discarded it and said:
“I will never wear it again.”
Following him, the Companions also discarded their gold rings.

Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 5867

This indicates that gold was once permissible for men but was later prohibited.

➎ Seven Prohibited Acts Including Gold​

Narrated by Al-Bara' ibn ‘Azib رضي الله عنه:
The Messenger of Allah ﷺ forbade us from seven things, one of which was wearing a gold ring.
Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 5863

Clarification Regarding al-Bara' ibn ‘Azib رضي الله عنه Wearing a Gold Ring​

Narrated by Abu Safar رحمه الله:
“I saw a gold ring on al-Bara' ibn ‘Azib’s hand.”

References: Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah #25157, Sharh Ma‘ani al-Athar 4/259 — Chain: Sahih

Clarification: Al-Bara' considered the gold ring specifically permitted for him due to a unique incident:

Narrated by Muhammad ibn Malik رحمه الله:
When the Prophet ﷺ distributed war booty, a gold ring remained. After glancing thrice at his companions, he called al-Bara', took his finger, and placed the ring saying:
“Take it and wear what Allah and His Messenger have adorned you with.”

Al-Bara' later said: “How could I remove something the Prophet ﷺ placed on me?”

References: Musnad Ahmad 4/294, Musnad Abi Ya‘la #1708, Sharh Ma‘ani al-Athar 4/259 — Chain: Hasan

This shows that it was a specific exception, not a general ruling.

➏ Warning Against Gifting Gold Jewelry to Loved Ones​

Narrated by Abu Hurairah رضي الله عنه:
The Prophet ﷺ said:
“Whoever wants to adorn his beloved with a ring of fire, let him gift him a ring of gold. Whoever wants to place a collar of fire on his beloved, let him place a gold collar. Whoever wishes to give his beloved gold bracelets, let him do so with fire. But instead, use silver and play with it freely.”

Reference: Sunan Abi Dawud 4236 — Chain: Hasan
Authentication: Al-Mundhiri regarded it as authentic (Targhib wa Tarhib 1/273)

This Hadith proves the prohibition of gold for men, while it is permissible for women.

➐ Clear Declaration of Prohibition​

Narrated by Ali ibn Abi Talib رضي الله عنه:
The Prophet ﷺ held silk in his right hand and gold in his left, then said:
“These two are forbidden for the males of my Ummah.”

References: Sunan Abi Dawud 4057, Sunan an-Nasa'i 5144, Sunan Ibn Majah 3595 — Chain: Hasan
Similar reports are also found in Sunan at-Tirmidhi.

Narrated by ‘Uqbah ibn ‘Amir رضي الله عنه:
I heard the Messenger of Allah ﷺ say:
“Silk and gold are forbidden for the men of my Ummah and permissible for their women.”