What is the ruling on a man using a wristwatch or a ring that contains a small percentage of gold?
Wearing pure gold is forbidden for the men of the Ummah of Muhammad (peace be upon him) by consensus. As for gold-plated items, scholars have differed on this into two opinions:
1. The majority: They consider it absolutely forbidden, whether the amount of gold used for plating the item is small or large. Among their proofs is that its use breaks the hearts of the poor, and that it is considered a use of forbidden gold. 2. The Shafi'is and some Hanbalis: They see a distinction. If the gold can be separated from the other metal, then wearing it is forbidden due to the large amount of gold. However, if they cannot be separated by fire, then wearing it is permissible due to the small proportion of gold.
The preponderant opinion is the first one, which prohibits wearing gold-plated items absolutely, to avoid doubts and to exit the اختلاف (difference of opinion). This ruling applies to wearables like watches and glasses, while utensils and artifacts have a different detailed ruling.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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