Darul Uloom Trinidad & Tobago

Question: Asalam Alaikum, Gold and the colour red- its not permissible for Muslim men to wear can you give an explanation.

Answer: Wa Alaikum As Salaam,

The Ahadith of the Prophet (s.a.w) clearly state that gold is haram for Muslim men to wear. Hence, it is not permissible. In the Shariah, it has been made as a means of adornment and beautification for women, not for men.

In a narration recorded by Abu Dawood, An Nasa’I and Ibn Majah, Ali (R.A) narrates that the prophet (s.a.w) took a piece of silk and held it in his right hand and took gold and held it in his left hand. While holding these, he said, ‘Both of these are haram for the males of my Ummah.’

With respect to red clothing for males, it is mentioned in certain traditions that it is prohibited. Regarding this, it is narrated from Abdullah bin Abbas (R.A) that he said, ‘I was forbidden to wear red garments and gold rings, and to recite the Quran in Ruku’ (An Nasa’I # 5171).
Another hadith narrated from Abdullah bin Umar (R.A) states that he said, ‘A man passed by the Prophet (s.a.w) wearing two red garments and greeted him with salaam, but he (the Prophet (s.a.w)) did not return the greeting.’ (Tirmidhi # 2731).

While these traditions show the prohibition of males wearing red clothing, there are other traditions which are recorded in the books of ahadith, and about which some scholars have stated that some level of allowance is evident. In this regard, it is narrated that Hilaal bin Amr relates from his father who said, ‘I saw the Messenger of Allah in Mina, giving a Khutba sitting on his mule while wearing a red cloak. (Abu Dawwod # 3551).
Similarly, Bara bin Aazib (R.A) states, ‘The Messenger of Allah was of average build, I saw him in a red suite (two pieces of garments), and I never saw anyone more handsome than him.’ (Bukhari # 5400).

Based on these different traditions, the Fuqaha (jurists) and Muhaditheen (traditionalists) have adopted different positions. Some have considered it allowed and permissible and others have considered it reprehensible and detested. Many scholars have reconciled between the ahadith and stated that the traditions which mention that the Prophet (s.a.w) prohibited it, shows that it is best that males should not wear red clothing and that it is detestable. Other traditions which mention that the Prophet (s.a.w) wore these, shows that there is an allowance for doing so, although not the best.

The scholars have also stated that the red suite that the Prophet (s.a.w) wore was that of two Yemeni garments which were not completely/entirely red. Instead, these were woven with red and black stripes, or red and green stripes. It is described as red because of the red stripes in it. This goes to show that those who are of the opinion that it is allowed to wear red, they state that this means that the entire garment should not be red (for males). If it is mixed with red, like red-stripes etc. and is of another color, it will be allowed. However, in this case, the scholars have stated that if it is done to imitate the females or non Muslims, then it will be reprehensible.

And Allah Knows best.

Mufti Waseem Khan.

15/4/2014.