Using Gold and Silver Utensils for Eating and Other Purposes

Answered by Ustadh Tabraze Azam

Question: I recently inherited a large set of antique sterling silver eating utensils and serving pieces and I have read in the past that it is haram to eat or drink out of silver vessels. Does this ruling apply to forks, spoons, knives, cake carving pieces and such? If it is haram to use these then is it haram to put them away and keep them as investment pieces if I pay zakat on them?

Answer: Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah,

I pray that you are well, insha’Allah.

It is not permitted for men or women to eat or drink using gold or silver utensils. [Nahlawi, al-Durar al-Mubaha fi al-Hazr wa al-Ibaha; Ibn `Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar]

The Messenger of Allah (upon him be peace) said, “Do not drink from silver or gold utensils, and do not eat in plates made from them, for they are for them (disbelievers) in this world and for us in the hereafter. [Bukhari; Muslim]

However, it is permissible to keep them as an investment, for decoration, or otherwise.

And Allah alone gives success.

Wassalam

Tabraze Azam

Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani