Question: I was wondering whether
non-golden bangles and necklaces are forbidden for males.
Answer: I would like you to
appreciate that the Islamic Shari‘ah has not forbidden Muslims from
wearing gold in the first place. The Ahadith ascribed to the Holy
Prophet (sws) prohibiting men from use of gold are actually an application
of another Qur’anic directive. The Holy Qur’an has clearly
declared extravagance as condemnable because it is this habit, which eventually
leads him to pomp and show. The Holy Prophet (sws) applied this directive
to wearing of the gold which was and still is a status symbol and a mean
of showing off ones wealth. However, since women have a natural desire
for beautifying them and adorning themselves with ornaments, the Holy Prophet
(sws) granted them a common sense exception. Keeping the basis of the directive
in mind one can safely conclude that not only gold but every other item
which becomes a status symbol and is used as a mean for showing off wealth
should be dealt with accordingly. As a necessary corollary, one cannot
be stopped from using things which are generally not considered status
symbols. We believe that bangles and necklaces are not worn for the purpose;
therefore there is no point to declare wearing these as prohibited.
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