Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam
Question: Assalamu ‘alaykum,
What kinds of jewelry are permissible for men to wear? Is body piercing permissible for men?
Answer: Wa alaikum assalam wa rahmatullahi wa barakatuh,
I pray that you are in the best of health and faith, insha’Allah.
The basis of jewellery and the like is that it is a form of beautification and adornment, hence permitted for women as this is the basis for them.
On the contrary, it is not permitted for men as it is not considered religiously manly to adorn oneself with jewellery, particularly as it is legally considered to be a trait of women, and there are also some implications of imitation therein.
We know this from the traditions (hadith) of the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace), in Abu Dawud and elsewhere, in which he stated that gold and silk is unlawful for the men of his community (ummah), yet permitted for the women.
However, the jurists (fuqaha) made an exception for a silver ring, with respect to the man, as the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him and give him peace) wore one. For details, please see: On Which Hand and Finger Should a Man Wear his Silver Ring?
Please also see: Is Body Piercing Allowed for Men? and: Ear & Nose Piercings For Women and: Are Men Allowed to Wear Rings Made from Gold and Other Materials?
And Allah alone gives success.
wassalam,
Tabraze Azam
Checked & Approved by Shaykh Faraz Rabbani