Is the use of silver items that are not primary eating/drinking vessels forbidden?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of the Wedding Feast

Book 37 · Issue 2 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

Silver items in use, such as kohl containers (*mikhalah*), are also prohibited. Imam Ahmad clarified that while the primary prohibition concerns the utensils themselves, items not used for primary service, such as a silver inlay (*dabbah*) on a knife or cup, are considered a lesser issue. The prohibition of viewing a transgression is likened to hearing it; just as one does not sit where he hears forbidden music (*zumur*), one does not sit where he sees transgressions like the drinking of wine.

Supporting text

When Imam Ahmad was questioned about seeing a silver mirror frame or the head of a kohl container, he indicated that this falls under a specific interpretation (*ta'wil*), but the prohibition regarding the utensils themselves is certain.