How can one dispose of forbidden items, such as an expensive gold watch? Is it permissible to sell it to non-Muslims or donate it to charities?
It is forbidden for men to wear gold, such as rings, watches, and the like, based on what Muslim narrated from Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both), that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) saw a gold ring on a man's hand and removed it, saying: "One of you intends for a burning coal from Hellfire and places it on his hand." And Abu Dawud, An-Nasa'i, and Ibn Majah narrated from Ali ibn Abi Talib (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said regarding silk and gold: "Indeed, these two are forbidden for the males of my Ummah."
It is permissible for women to adorn themselves with gold. As for a watch that contains gold, if it is considered an adornment, then there is no harm. Otherwise, wearing it and using other gold items that are not considered adornment is forbidden. Men and women are equal in the prohibition of using gold and silver utensils.
If the watch is a men's watch, it can be disposed of in two ways: by removing the gold and selling each part separately, or by returning it to the seller through mutual cancellation of the contract (Iqalah). However, selling it to non-Muslims is not permissible, because they are addressed by the subsidiary rulings of , and what is forbidden for Muslims is also forbidden for them.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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