then taking them as decorative pieces or ornaments is subject to the same prohibition—indeed it is even more emphatically forbidden.

6 – The ḥadith does not sanction the use of gold and silver vessels by the disbelievers in this world; it merely narrates their condition and practice. In reality they are addressed by—and will be punished for violating—the fundamentals and the ancillary rulings of the Shariah, together with all its commands and prohibitions. By contrast, the Muslims who fear Allah and avoid such vessels will be allowed to enjoy them in the Hereafter, as a reward for having renounced them in this life in the hope of Allah’s recompense.

7 – The prohibition against using or acquiring gold and silver vessels is general: it covers items made of pure gold or pure silver, those that are gold- or silver-plated, banded, inlaid, or decorated with either metal—indeed every form of embellishment. The prohibition is all-encompassing. Al-Nawawi said: “Consensus has been reached on the prohibition of eating and drinking from them, and by unanimous agreement every other use that resembles eating and drinking is likewise forbidden.”

8 – The phrase, “for they are for them in this world,” means that anyone who uses such vessels resembles the disbelievers in deeming them lawful; and whoever imitates a people becomes one of them. The gravest form of imitation is to share their convictions regarding what is lawful and unlawful.

9 – The basic rule concerning the command to differ from the polytheists is that it is obligatory unless evidence shows that leaving the matter is permissible. For instance, in al-Bukhari 5892 and Muslim 259, Ibn ʿUmar reports that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “Oppose the polytheists; let your beards grow.” We know of no proof that cancels the obligation of letting the beard grow, so it remains obligatory and shaving it is forbidden, for that would constitute imitation of the polytheists.
As for a second category, Abū Dāwūd 652, with a sound chain, records that Shaddād ibn Aws said the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) declared, “Differ from the Jews, for they do not pray in their sandals or leather socks.” Yet Abū Dāwūd and Ibn Mājah also transmit from ʿAmr ibn Shuʿayb, from his father, from his grandfather: “I saw the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) pray both barefoot and wearing footwear.”