Is it haram to eat or drink from gold or silver?
Yes, eating or drinking from gold or silver plates, cups and cutlery is haram for both men and women. This is one of the few rules about gold that applies to women too. Normal dishes with a thin decorative gold rim are treated more lightly by many scholars.
The clear hadith
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Do not drink from vessels of gold and silver, and do not eat from plates made of them, for they are for them in this world and for us in the Hereafter" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5426). He also warned that whoever drinks from a silver vessel is only gulping down the fire of Hell into his stomach (Sahih Muslim 2065).
Because of these strong words, scholars of all four schools agree that using gold or silver tableware for eating and drinking is forbidden.
Why it applies to women too
Women may wear gold and silver jewellery, while men may not wear gold. But the rule on dishes is different: it is about luxury and extravagance at the table, not about adornment, so it covers everyone. See Can Muslim men wear gold rings?
Gold and silver dishes are a reward the believers look forward to in Paradise. Patience with them now is part of that promise.
What about plated or decorated items?
- Solid gold or silver cups, plates and cutlery: haram to eat or drink from.
- Gold- or silver-plated items: scholars differ. Many say avoid them, especially if the coating is thick; others allow a thin plating that can't be separated.
- A thin gold rim or pattern on porcelain: many scholars allow it, since the dish isn't really "a gold vessel".
- A small silver repair: a small amount of silver used to mend a cup is allowed by most scholars, based on reports that the Prophet's own cup was repaired with silver.
- Gold-coloured items made of brass or steel are fine; the rule is about the metal, not the colour.
Owning, inheriting or displaying them
Many scholars also dislike keeping gold or silver tableware just for show, as it opens the door to using it. If you inherit a silver tea set, you could sell it, use the silver in another lawful way, or keep it as savings. Silver and gold kept as savings may be liable for zakat. See Do I pay zakat on gold jewelry I wear?
- Eating or drinking from gold or silver dishes is haram for everyone.
- The Prophet ﷺ said these are for the believers in the Hereafter.
- Thin gold rims and small silver repairs are treated more lightly.
- Gold-coloured brass or steel is fine.
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