“and He has subjected to you all that is in the heavens and all that is on the earth—altogether, from Him.” (Q 45:13).

This, then, is the foundational principle. For that reason the author—may Allah have mercy on him—entitled this chapter: “The Permissibility of Drinking from Every Kind of Vessel,” whether the container is made of wood, stone, or any other material, save gold and silver, for eating and drinking from gold or silver are prohibited. The proof lies in the two hadiths transmitted by Ḥudhayfah ibn al-Yamān and by Umm Salamah—may Allah be pleased with them both. Ḥudhayfah explicitly reports that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ forbade drinking from vessels of gold and silver, and Umm Salamah’s narration conveys the same ruling.

The Prophet ﷺ also clarified the wisdom behind the ban, saying, “They are for them in this world”—meaning the disbelievers—“and for you in the Hereafter.” As for the disbelievers, they will be in the blazing Fire—may Allah protect us. When thirst overwhelms them and they cry out for relief, Allah the Exalted says: “If they implore for help, they will be helped with water like muhl (molten brass) that scalds the faces—evil is the drink and wretched is the resting-place!” (Q 18:29). They will be given a drink resembling the foul dregs of boiling oil—may Allah safeguard us—and when they lift it to their faces, it will sear their very skin: “They will be given scalding water to drink that will tear their intestines apart.” (Q 47:15).

Whereas the people of Paradise—may Allah make us among them—“will be given to drink of a nectar sealed, whose seal is musk; so let those who aspire, aspire to that.” (Q 83:25-26). They will be served in vessels of gold.