so he had a silver chain made in place of the crack.” (1)

This hadith therefore qualifies the general ruling mentioned earlier.

If it is asked: From where do you derive the condition that it be small?

We say: This is what is generally the case with a cup—that is, it is small—and usually, when it breaks, it does not require a large amount. Since the basic ruling is prohibition, we restrict the allowance to what is generally the case.

If it is asked: You have said that it must be a repair band, which is what is used to mend a vessel. So if someone were to put silver on the spout of a ewer, why would that not be permissible?

The answer is that this is neither needed nor a repair band; rather, it is an addition and an embellishment.

If it is asked: Why have you stipulated that it must be silver? Why do you not analogize gold to silver?

We say: The textual evidence mentions only silver. Moreover, gold is more valuable and its prohibition is more emphatic. Hence, in the chapter on dress, a gold ring is prohibited for a man, while a silver ring is permitted for him. This shows that silver is less serious. Shaykh al-Islam, may Allah have mercy on him, even said in the chapter on dress: “The basic ruling concerning silver is permissibility, and it is lawful for men, except where evidence establishes its prohibition.” (2)

Furthermore, had gold been permissible, the Prophet, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, would have repaired the break with it;