Question : A question was asked regarding [the validity] of using gold-plated containers, and as to whether they are prohibited, just as gold is prohibited [for the purposes of adornment].

Fatwa in Brief: It is not permitted to use gold-plated containers and, like gold, they are prohibited.

Shaykh Ibn Baz, Majmu’ Fatawa, 124/4

Response:

It is forbidden (haram) for men to adorn themselves with gold; but it is permitted for women to do so, if there is a need for it. Using gold vessels/containers is generally prohibited. However, utensils that are gold-plated are not prohibited because it would not be possible to remove the gold.

Commentary:

Gold is prohibited for men unless there is a necessity [in which case it becomes permitted]; it is not, however, prohibited for women. In one hadith, ‘Ali (r.a.) is reported as saying: “I saw the Messenger of God (upon him be peace) take silk in his right hand and gold in his left. Then he [the Prophet, upon him be peace] said: ‘These two things are forbidden to the men of my nation (umma)’” This is included in [the collection of] Abu Dawud. Likewise, in a hadith located in al-Tirmidhi, Abu Musa al-Ash‘ari (r.a.) narrated that the Messenger of God (upon him be peace) said: “Wearing silk and gold is haram for the males of my nation, but it is halal for the females”.

It is prohibited for men and women to use gold or silver containers/vessels/utensils according to the hadith of Umm Salama, who reported that the Messenger of God (upon him be peace) said: “Whoever drinks from a gold or silver container, will indeed have the fire of Hell burning in his belly”.[1] Metals other than gold and silver, like iron and brass, are permitted for use by Muslims. The only difference of opinion in this matter is from the Hanafis, who declare that the wearing of rings made from these metals is legally disliked.

Gold-plated objects are not prohibited because it is not possible to remove the gold.[2]

And God knows best.

Dr. Anas Abu Shadi