Al-Ifta Clarifies the Ruling on Men Wearing Silver Chains and Braiding Their Hair
Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta clarifies the Islamic ruling on men wearing silver chains and braiding their hair, outlining when such acts are permissible and when they may be considered imitation of women.
Egypt’s Dar Al-Ifta has responded to a public question regarding the permissibility of men wearing silver chains and tying their hair into braids, explaining that both issues depend mainly on custom, intention, and local culture, rather than being outright prohibited.
According to the Fatwa, wearing a silver chain for men is a matter of scholarly debate, yet the stronger opinion allows it, provided that the chain is not of a design typically worn by women and that there is no intention of imitating them. The ruling changes with social norms — if silver chains have become common among men, then there is no sin in wearing them.
The statement further clarified that forbidden imitation of women only occurs when the action is deliberate and intended to copy feminine traits or behavior. Similarities in appearance or habits without intention do not fall under this category, as many customs are shared between men and women.
Regarding men braiding their hair, Al-Ifta explained that this was once a normal practice among Arabs during the Prophet’s time ﷺ, but is no longer customary in most modern Arab societies. Therefore, the ruling depends on cultural norms and personal intent — if the action is not meant as imitation and is socially accepted, it is not considered sinful.
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