On which hand is it Sunnah to wear a watch?

[ummtaalib]

Q. On which hand is it Sunnah to wear a watch?

(Query published as received)

 

Answer

 

The wrist watch was not present during the time of Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) and therefore it is not possible to state that it is Sunnah to wear a watch on either the right or left hand. However, analogy can be taken from the practice of the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) wearing a ring. There are narrations that state that the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) wore a ring on his right hand and left hand. The same can be applied to the wrist watch and it will be permissible to wear it on the right hand or left hand.

 

Some scholars have favoured wearing the watch on the right hand due to the Prophet (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) giving preference to the right hand in praiseworthy actions. 

 

And Allah Knows Best

 

Mufti Suhail Tarmahomed

Fatwa Department

Jamiatul Ulama (KZN) 

Council of Muslim Theologians