Question
Can Muslim men wear diamonds?
Answer
Although the issue of wearing diamonds has not been expressly discussed by the Shari`ah, yet a decision about its allowance or otherwise can be derived from some of the other directives of the Qur’an. Such a derivation would be based on an application of the principles given in the Shari`ah, and there may arise a difference of opinion in this derivation, due to a difference in the understanding of these principles as well as due to the applicability of these principles on the issue under consideration. The important point, under such circumstances, is to try and understand the bases of the differing points of views and to act according to the particular opinion, which one considers correct.
Two of the important principles of the Qur’an, which, in my opinion, are pertinent to the issue under consideration, are: 1- saving oneself against extravagance and squandering money (Al-Israa 17:26 – 27); and 2- saving oneself against arrogance and haughtiness (Al-Aa`raaf 7:146).
The first of these two principles is self-explanatory. However, as far as the second principle is concerned, it should remain clear that although arrogance and haughtiness relate primarily to one’s internal attitudes, yet these attitudes, in turn, are greatly affected by one’s physical environment. In other words, an extravagant physical environment, can nurture arrogance and haughtiness in a person. Thus, a showy and a pompous life-style may have extremely adverse spiritual effects on an individual. It is, basically, for this reason that the Prophet (pbuh) is also reported to have directed the Muslims to even avoid the physical styles of the arrogant and the haughty1.
Keeping the above explanation in perspective, if you are of the opinion that wearing diamonds entails extravagance and squandering and/or is, generally, accepted as a status symbol or a representative of one’s high status in the society, then it should be considered as prohibited by the Shari`ah.
22nd April 2000
- The Prophet (pbuh) is reported to have directed the Muslims against wearing gold, dragging train of leg-sheets, growing big moustaches etc. because of the symbolic representation of arrogance and haughtiness, entailed in these actions. [↩]