As wearables like smartwatches, fitness trackers, and smart rings become part of our everyday tech, some Muslim users might wonder: Is it haram to wear these if they contain gold in their circuits? Considering the recent arrival of the Samsung Galaxy Ring here in Malaysia, we thought it would be timely to find out more. Here's what you need to know.
Gold in Electronics vs Gold Jewelry
In Islam, it's well-known that Muslim men are not allowed to wear gold jewelry. Men are prohibited from wearing gold as a form of adornment, though it is allowed for women.
But how about gold that’s used inside electronic devices?
Here’s the clarification:
- Gold in electronics is used for conductivity and corrosion resistance.
- It’s not visible, and not used for adornment.
- You're not wearing the device because of the gold.
So yes — it's permissible (halal) for Muslim men to wear smart devices with internal gold circuitry.
The Samsung Galaxy Ring
What's Not Allowed?
While internal gold used for function is fine, here's what could be problematic: Gold-plated smartwatches or gold-colored smart rings worn for style may fall under the prohibition. The key factor is the niat or intention of the male wearer - if it's worn for beauty or to show off, then it may be haram or not encouraged from a Muslim standpoint.
The Islamic Perspective
While there isn't a specific fatwa on smart devices with gold circuitry, the consensus has mainly been that:
"Gold that is used for non-decorative, functional purposes — such as in electronics — is not considered jewelry, and therefore, not haram for men."
This aligns with global Islamic views, including those from bodies like Majlis Fatwa Kebangsaan and international scholars. In fact, we've even reached out to Pejabat Mufti Wilayah Persekutuan for clarification on the subject, which in general agrees with the above, although they do note that if there are wearables that don't use gold in their circuitry, this would be better.
You can read the full reply below:
Smartwatch dan smart ring mungkin mengandungi emas pada bahagian dalaman elektroniknya. Adakah itu membuatkan smartwatch dan smart ring haram untuk dipakai oleh lelaki Islam?
Hukum asal bagi kaum lelaki memakai emas atau barangan yang mengandungi adalah haram secara mutlak. Bagi permasalahan pemakaian jam tangan pintar, dapat disimpulkan bahawa hukum lelaki memakai jam tangan pintar yang mengandungi elemen emas sebagai salah satu komponen di dalamnya adalah harus berdasarkan beberapa syarat. Antaranya ialah kuantiti emas tersebut mestilah berskala kecil, halus dan sedikit hingga tidak kelihatan secara fizikal. Selain itu, emas tersebut juga mestilah tidak dapat dipisahkan atau memberikan sebarang nilai setelah dileburkan melalui proses pembakaran. Begitu juga diharuskan sekiranya terdapat keperluan yang diiktiraf oleh syarak seperti pemantauan tahap kesihatan semasa dan seumpamanya. Walau bagaimanapun, memakai jam tangan pintar yang tidak mengandungi sebarang elemen emas di dalamnya adalah lebih dituntut di sisi syarak. Permasalahan ini juga memerlukan kajian yang lanjut dan penjelasan jawapan akan dikeluarkan dalam bentuk artikel. WallahuA'lam.
Unit Buhuth
Pejabat Mufti Wilayah Persekutuan
So, maybe not for the gold coloured one on the left but the silver coloured Samsung Galaxy Ring would be just right for a Muslim man
Conclusion - Halal if it's for function, Haram if it's for style
If you're a Muslim man shopping for a new smartwatch, smart ring, or any wearable tech — you don't need to worry about the gold hidden inside the hardware. As long as it's not visibly gold for style, it's fine.
Are you already using a smart ring or watch? Have you ever wondered about the halal status of your wearables? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below and stay tuned to TechNave.com for all things tech.
The Samsung Galaxy Ring is the latest fitness tracker wearable for Malaysians, check out our first impressions for a hands-on look at it.
COMMENTS