Is the possession or use of gold and silver vessels prohibited for men and women?
Chapter on Zakat on Gold and Silver
Al-Mughni
Book of Zakat
Primary text
The acquisition and use of gold and silver vessels are prohibited for both men and women without exception. The reason for prohibition, which is avoiding extravagance and haughtiness, and breaking the hearts of the poor, applies universally to both genders. Women are permitted adornment for the sake of beautification before their husbands, a justification that does not apply to vessels.
Supporting text
Al-Shafi'i, in one of his two positions, holds that acquisition is not prohibited because the text explicitly forbade use, leaving acquisition permissible based on the default principle of permissibility. This view is contradicted because what is prohibited in use is also prohibited in acquisition in the form of readiness for use, similar to musical instruments.