What is the ruling on using vessels and eyeglasses coated with gold?
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The questioner : Shaykh, may Allah forgive you, what is the ruling on using eyeglasses or vessels colored with the color of gold?
The Shaykh : As for vessels coated with gold, if a quantity of this gold would accumulate if it were exposed to fire—meaning, if the goldsmith says, "This gold, if exposed to fire, would accumulate into a quantity"—then the coating is forbidden, because it is coated with it. Using it for eating and drinking is forbidden, because it is a true use of gold. However, if it is merely a color, there is nothing wrong with it; that is, there is nothing wrong with eating and drinking from it. But it is better to leave it off; it is better to leave it off. Why?
Because one who looks at him while he is eating may form a bad opinion of him and say, "This man is eating from gold vessels." And one who looks at him may think it is pure gold and imitate him. There are many varied vessels that suffice, so there is no need to use vessels like these.
The Shaykh : As for vessels coated with gold, if a quantity of this gold would accumulate if it were exposed to fire—meaning, if the goldsmith says, "This gold, if exposed to fire, would accumulate into a quantity"—then the coating is forbidden, because it is coated with it. Using it for eating and drinking is forbidden, because it is a true use of gold. However, if it is merely a color, there is nothing wrong with it; that is, there is nothing wrong with eating and drinking from it. But it is better to leave it off; it is better to leave it off. Why?
Because one who looks at him while he is eating may form a bad opinion of him and say, "This man is eating from gold vessels." And one who looks at him may think it is pure gold and imitate him. There are many varied vessels that suffice, so there is no need to use vessels like these.