Source: Fatāwā ʿUlamāʾ-e-Ḥadīth – Kitāb al-Ṣalāh, Volume 1
“Whoever drinks from a silver vessel is indeed gulping fire from Hell into his belly.”
(Muttafaq ʿalayh – Bukhārī & Muslim)
Ḥadīth in Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim:
“He who eats or drinks from utensils of gold or silver fills his belly with Hellfire.”
Ḥadīth of Ḥudhayfah ibn al-Yamān رضي الله عنه:
When offered water in a silver vessel, he threw it away saying:
“I have only done this because I had already prohibited him. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ forbade us from wearing silk and brocade and from eating and drinking from gold and silver utensils. These are for the disbelievers in this world, and for us in the Hereafter.”
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 5632)
Even decorative linings reflect the luxury and beauty associated with gold and silver, and are thus included in the forbidden category. Therefore, such utensils should not be used for eating or drinking.
✔ The act of crafting such items is likely permissible, similar to making gold jewelry, which is allowed under Islamic law when done within Sharīʿah limits (i.e., for women, or in a halal manner).
However:
This ruling is rooted in authentic ḥadīths and aims to preserve the dignity and humility of Islamic conduct, avoiding luxury that is reserved for the Hereafter.
❖ The Question
“Is it permissible to use utensils decorated with gold or silver—particularly those that are chemically treated to produce gold/silver lining using a solution containing 12% gold? Is making such utensils allowed?”❖ Ruling: Use of Gold/Silver Utensils is
Using utensils made of or decorated with gold or silver—whether partially or wholly—is ḥarām (forbidden), just like eating or drinking from pure gold/silver utensils.❖ Prophetic Prohibitions
Ḥadīth of Umm Salamah رضي الله عنها:“Whoever drinks from a silver vessel is indeed gulping fire from Hell into his belly.”
(Muttafaq ʿalayh – Bukhārī & Muslim)
Ḥadīth in Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim:
“He who eats or drinks from utensils of gold or silver fills his belly with Hellfire.”
Ḥadīth of Ḥudhayfah ibn al-Yamān رضي الله عنه:
When offered water in a silver vessel, he threw it away saying:
“I have only done this because I had already prohibited him. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ forbade us from wearing silk and brocade and from eating and drinking from gold and silver utensils. These are for the disbelievers in this world, and for us in the Hereafter.”
(Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī: 5632)
❖ Clarification on Decorative Gold/Silver
The prohibition is general, including:- Utensils fully made of gold/silver
- Utensils decorated or plated with gold/silver
Even decorative linings reflect the luxury and beauty associated with gold and silver, and are thus included in the forbidden category. Therefore, such utensils should not be used for eating or drinking.
❖ Ruling on Manufacturing Such Utensils
As for making or decorating utensils with gold/silver:✔ The act of crafting such items is likely permissible, similar to making gold jewelry, which is allowed under Islamic law when done within Sharīʿah limits (i.e., for women, or in a halal manner).
However:
- They should not be used for eating or drinking.
- If their primary purpose is for display or lawful utility, caution and discretion should be observed.
❖ Conclusion
Making such utensils may be permissible
Using them for eating or drinking is strictly prohibited
This ruling is rooted in authentic ḥadīths and aims to preserve the dignity and humility of Islamic conduct, avoiding luxury that is reserved for the Hereafter.
