Can Muslim men wear watches or glasses with gold parts?
Usually no, if the gold is real. Gold is forbidden for Muslim men, and most scholars say this includes real gold on a watch case or strap, glasses frames, belt buckles and cufflinks. Items that are only gold-coloured but contain no real gold are fine. Scholars differ about very small or plated amounts, so the safest choice is to avoid real gold that you wear.
The ruling for men
The Prophet ﷺ took silk in his right hand and gold in his left, and said, "Both of these are prohibited to the males of my community" (Sunan Abi Dawud 4057). In another report he said, "Gold and silk have been permitted for the females of my Ummah, and forbidden to the males" (Sunan an-Nasa'i 5148).
The ruling is not limited to rings. Scholars apply it to gold that a man wears as ornament in any form, which is why watches, frames and other accessories come up. For the ring ruling in more detail, see Can Muslim men wear gold rings?
Real gold or gold-coloured?
The ruling depends on what the item is made of, not on how it looks.
- Real gold: solid gold (such as 14k or 18k) and white or rose gold alloys. These are gold.
- Gold plating: a thin layer of real gold on another metal. This is debated, and many scholars advise men to avoid it, especially when it is visible.
- Gold-coloured: brass, gold-tone alloys and coatings that only look golden, such as many PVD finishes. These are usually not real gold, so check the product description or ask the seller.
- Steel, titanium, silver-tone and black finishes: no problem at all.
Where scholars differ
Most scholars say that a man should not wear real gold for adornment, whatever the size. Some are more lenient about tiny or hidden amounts, such as a part inside a watch that you cannot see, while others advise avoiding even that. Since the matter is disputed, ask a scholar you trust if you are unsure about a particular watch, especially an expensive one.
Common items
- Watches: choose a steel, titanium, leather or rubber one. Avoid a gold case or bracelet. See Which wrist should Muslims wear a watch on?
- Glasses: pick frames in plastic, steel or titanium, without gold plating.
- Belt buckles, cufflinks and tie pins: go for silver-tone or steel.
- Medals and trophies: see Can Muslim men wear gold sports medals?
If you already own gold pieces
- Owning gold is not forbidden. Only wearing it is.
- You can keep it as a keepsake, sell it, or give it to a wife, mother or daughter, who may wear it.
- You may swap a gold watch for a similar one made of another metal, if you wish.
- Medical needs, such as dental work, have their own rules. Ask your doctor and an imam.
The same ruling applies to silk. See Can Muslim men wear silk ties?
- Men may not wear real gold, including on watches and glasses.
- Gold-coloured items without real gold are fine.
- Gold plating and tiny hidden amounts are debated; avoiding them is safest.
- Choose steel, titanium or silver-tone alternatives.
People also ask
Do I have to wear Arab clothes after becoming Muslim?
No. Arab clothes are culture, not Islamic law. Islam asks only for modest, clean, lawful dress: navel to knees covered, and no gold or silk for men.
Read the full answer →Can Muslim men wear women's or unisex fragrances?
Unisex fragrances, yes; clearly feminine ones, it depends. The concern is imitating women, so choose a scent that a man can wear comfortably.
Read the full answer →Can Muslim men wear silk pyjamas or shirts?
No, real silk pyjamas and shirts are forbidden for Muslim men, even at home. Polyester satin is fine, and medical need is an exception.
Read the full answer →Can Muslim men wear short sleeves?
Yes, Muslim men can wear short sleeves. A man's arms are not awrah, so short-sleeved shirts are fine in public, at work and in prayer.
Read the full answer →Can Muslim men wear platinum or titanium jewelry?
Yes, Muslim men can wear platinum or titanium jewelry. Islam restricts only gold for men, so platinum, titanium, steel and silver rings are fine.
Read the full answer →