| Answer: I would like you to appreciate that the Islamic
Sharī‘ah has not forbidden Muslims from wearing gold in the first place. The Ahadīth
ascribed to the Holy Prophet (sws) prohibiting men from use of gold are actually
an application of another Qur’ānic directive. The Holy Qur’ān 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. |