Friday Tadhkirah: THE “HAJJ TOOTH”: BETWEEN FASHION AND SHOW-OFF- Hanafi Abdulkadri

0 0
Read Time:4 Minute, 47 Second

By Abu Maryam Hanafi Abdulkadri

Alhamdulillahi was-Salaatu was-Salaam ala Rasoolillahi

Introduction:

Since over two decades (as far as I know), the tradition of fixing artificial “gold tooth” by some returning Nigerian pilgrims has neither ceased nor dwindled, rather, it’s becoming more popular and increasingly acceptable. On yearly basis, this business inadvertently contributes immensely to the Saudi economy; where thousands of Nigerian pilgrims (and others) lobby for a gold or silver tooth at the earliest opportunity, not minding the cost and rigour. Gold teeth or grills are made of metal; either silver, gold or diamond and are permanently attached to existing teeth. The prices range between 50 – 500 riyals (N5,5000 – N55,000) depending on the quality and weight. Sometimes, a pilgrim could fix as many as three of such teeth, where the number usually indicates how many times he or she has performed Hajj.

Unfortunately, this ugly trend has suddenly degenerated to the misconception that “gold tooth fixing” is equally among the Hajj requirements, or at least represents a Hajj certificate. The following two testimonies (as reported by The Daily Trust, dated 25/Aug/2018) vindicate this assertion:

Muhammed Musa, a first-timer from Lere, Kaduna State was all smiles, ready to display his new acquisition – a silver tooth. He said “it would be an unfulfilled Hajj for an average pilgrim from his hometown, to return home without a gold or silver tooth.”

For Hassan who also performed the Hajj, it would be a great mistake for one to come to Madina and fail to get a diamond tooth. “It would be missing an opportunity of a lifetime. I am not certain that I will come down here again. So this is the period to utilize to fix one”

Obviously, the fixing of the “Hajj tooth” (i.e Eyin Makkah in Yoruba) could easily be considered a form of Riyaa (i.e show-off) and it may be difficult to justify otherwise. It is regrettably lugubrious that a Muslim man or woman commits huge expenses, risking his or her life in order to perform Hajj (with its rigorous rituals); yet, still engage in actions that could render such immense sacrifices into vanity.

To recall; Allah’s Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) gave strict warning about Ar-Riyaa (show off) saying: “What I fear for you the most is the minor shirk, that is ar-Riyaa. Allah will say on the Day of Judgement when He is rewarding the people for their actions: Go to those for whom you did Riyaa for in the world, then see if you find the reward with them.” [Narrated by Ahmad 5/428, 429]

In addition, Allah did condemn the practice of Show-off in several verses of the Qur’an. One typical example is related to the Munaafiqoon (i.e the hypocrites) who pray for people to see. He says: “So woe unto those performers of Salat (- the hypocrites), those who delay their Salat (from their stated fixed times). Those who do good deeds only to be seen” (Qur’an 107:4-6)

Amazingly, the male pilgrims are not left out in this mess. They’ll fix golden or silver tooth and continue to laugh recklessly in the public in order to be recognized and hailed as Alhaji! Alhaji!

As for the womenfolk, they are particularly allowed in Islam to adorn & beautify themselves within the limits of the Shari’ah, and wearing artificial golden teeth is no exception. Nonetheless, the phenomenon whereby the “gold tooth” symbolizes more than a customary adornment is very dangerous. Many women purposely subscribe to the “gold tooth” as a sharp symbol of publicizing their hajj history, and also for boastful display especially at public functions. More disappointingly, this Muhdath (i.e new trend) has been grossly abused so much so that you’ll find several individuals who had never crossed any Nigerian border appearing with “golden teeth” as a way of hoodwinking the people.

In a fatwa related to this matter, Shaykh Muhammad bn Saalih al-‘Uthaymeen (may Allaah have mercy on him) said:

It is not permissible for men to have gold teeth fitted unless that is essential, because it is haraam for a man to wear gold or adorn himself with it. With regard to women, if it is customary for women to adorn themselves with gold teeth, then there is nothing wrong with them doing that; a woman may plate her teeth with gold if it is customary for women to adorn themselves in this manner, and it is not extravagance, because the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: “Gold and silk have been permitted for the females of my ummah.”

In addition, he stated that: “If a woman dies in this state, or if a man dies who wore a gold tooth out of necessity, then it should be removed, unless there is the fear of mutilation of the corpse. Gold is considered to be a kind of wealth and wealth is to be inherited by the heirs of the deceased; leaving it with the deceased and burying it is a waste of money.” [Source: From Majmoo’ Al-Fataawa By Shaykh Muhammad Ibn ‘Uthaymeen, 18/108]

Conclusion: The fixing of “gold tooth” is not among the rites of hajj, and it is absolutely haram for men under any guise. As for the female pilgrims, embracing this practice may contaminate their sincerity (of hajj).  Nevertheless, whether the gold tooth is worn for fashion or show-off, it is left to the individual. “Say, in case you conceal what is in your hearts or disclose it, Allah knows it.” (Qur’an 3:29)

May peace be upon those who follow the guidance!

Happy
Happy
0 %
Sad
Sad
0 %
Excited
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
Angry
0 %
Surprise
Surprise
0 %

Average Rating

5 Star
0%
4 Star
0%
3 Star
0%
2 Star
0%
1 Star
0%

Leave a Reply

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.