Can Muslim Men Wear Jewelry?

Question

Can Muslim men wear jewelry, such as silver rings or chains?

Bottom Line

Men in Islam may wear silver with dignity, but gold remains off-limits.

Quick Answer

The Prophet ﷺ wore a silver ring, making it clearly permissible for men. Gold, however, is forbidden, and adornments that blur the line between men and women are not allowed. Jewelry for men in Islam must remain modest, purposeful, and free from extravagance.

Key Takeaways

• Silver rings are permissible by the Sunnah.
• Gold is prohibited for men in all forms.
• Adornment is allowed but must stay modest, dignified, and balanced.

Detailed Answer

In Islam, a man’s worth is not tied to ornaments but to his character, his devotion, and the weight of his responsibilities. Jewelry may touch the hand, but faith should adorn the heart. True strength is measured not in glitter, but in patience, compassion, and the ability to carry trust with grace.

Adornment, when kept simple, is a reminder not of luxury but of discipline, balance, and gratitude to Allah.

Islam acknowledges that humans have a natural inclination toward beauty. But unlike trends that change with fashion, Islam anchors adornment in principles of humility and moderation.

The Qur’an reminds us:

“O children of Adam! Take your adornment at every masjid.” Qur’an 7:31

Men and women are given different rulings because Islam protects their unique identities. For men, adornment is not a mark of vanity but a reflection of dignity—kept simple, purposeful, and free of excess.

1. Silver Rings (Permissible)

The Prophet ﷺ wore a silver ring, used as his seal. Anas (RA) narrated:

“The Messenger of Allah ﷺ took a ring of silver… engraved on it were the words ‘Muhammad, the Messenger of Allah.’” Muslim 2092

This is the strongest proof of permissibility, and scholars agree on it. Modest items like cufflinks or plain silver bands follow the same principle.

2. Gold Jewelry (Prohibited)

Gold is forbidden for men. ‘Ali (RA) reported:

“The Prophet ﷺ took silk in his right hand and gold in his left, then said: ‘These two are forbidden for the males of my ummah, and permissible for the females.’” Abu Dawud 4057

This prohibition includes rings, watches, or any form of gold ornament.

3. Difference of Opinion on Other Jewelry

Beyond silver rings, scholars have differed on items like simple chains or other metals. Some allow them if they are free from extravagance, vanity, or imitation of women, while others discourage them to prevent resemblance to non-Islamic customs. The safest path is moderation, keeping jewelry simple and aligned with dignity.

General Principle

Men’s adornment is permitted when it remains within modesty and dignity. What is worn should not imitate women, show off status, or serve vanity. Islam allows space for beauty but keeps it grounded in humility.

What This Means for You

As a Muslim man, you may wear a simple silver ring or modest accessory. Avoid gold and be cautious with adornments beyond that, knowing scholars differed. The priority is to reflect humility and dignity, not extravagance.

And Allah knows best.

References

Qur’an

1. Al-A‘raf 7:31 – Moderation in adornment.

Hadith

2. Sahih al-Bukhari 5537; Sahih Muslim 2092 – Prophet ﷺ wore a silver ring.
3. Sunan Abi Dawud 4057 – Gold and silk forbidden for men.
4. Sunan Abi Dawud 4020 – Warning against imitating others.

Secondary Sources

5. Ibn Taymiyyah, Majmu‘ al-Fatawa (25/63–65): Consensus on silver rings.
6. Ibn Qudamah, Al-Mughni: On permissible adornments vs. imitation of women.