Question:
Assalamualaikum SS Mufti, what is the ruling of a person who wears his watch on his left wrist? Is it considered as a contradiction to the sunnah of the Prophet PBUH for he prioritizes his right (tayammun) in his affairs?
Answer:
Waalaikumussalam wbt,
Alhamdulillah, praise and thanks to Allah for the countless blessings He has blessed us all with. Blessings and salutations to the Prophet Muhammad PBUH, his wives, his family, companions and all those that follow his teachings to the day of judgement.
Generally, it is true that the Prophet PBUH would always prioritizes his right in his daily lives. We could see this in a narration from Aisyah RA, where she said:
كَانَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم يُعْجِبُهُ التَّيَمُّنُ فِي تَنَعُّلِهِ وَتَرَجُّلِهِ وَطُهُورِهِ وَفِي شَأْنِهِ كُلِّهِ
“Allah’s Messenger (rad) loved to begin with the right while putting on his shoes, combing his hair, in his purification and in all his affairs [Agreed upon].”
Sahih al-Bukhari (168)
This means that the Prophet PBUH would prioritizes his right in his daily affairs such as when he is wearing his slippers he would begin with his right foot, when combing his hair, he would use his right hand, also for his other actions of eating, drinking and others.
Even so, there are several specific narrations that showed adornment or accessory was worn by the Prophet PBUH on his hand such as his ring. Among the narration is from Anas bin Malik RA, he said:
كَانَ خَاتِمُ النَّبِيِّ صلى الله عليه وسلم فِي هَذِهِ وَأَشَارَ إِلَى الْخِنْصَرِ مِنْ يَدِهِ الْيُسْرَى
“The ring of Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) was on this, and he pointed toward the little finger of his left hand.”
Sahih Muslim (2095)
Thus, this hadith showed that the Prophet PBUH wears his ring on his left hand. Furthermore, if we consider it for its wisdom, the Prophet PBUH would eat and drink using his right hand, thus, if he wears his ring on his right hand it would make the process of him eating difficult. Imam al-Buhuti Rahimahullah said: “Wearing a ring on the little finger of one’s left hand is prioritized compared to wearing it on the little finger of one’s right hand for it is more comfortable and fixed.” Refer Kasyyaf Al-Qina’, Al-Buhuti (2/236).
Whereas, Syafieyyah scholars hold the opinion that wearing a ring on one’s right hand is prioritized. This is the same as the opinion of Imam al-Nawawi who said:
يجوز للرجل لبس خاتم الفضة في خنصر يمينه وإن شاء في خنصر يساره كلاهما صح فعله عن النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم لكن الصحيح المشهور أنه في اليمين أفضل ; لأنه زينة ، واليمين أشرف
“It is permissible for a man to wear a silver ring on his little finger of his right hand. And if he wishes (to wear it) on his little finger of his left hand. Both are the actions of the Prophet PBUH. However, the sahih and famous opinion states that it is prioritized to be worn on the right hand. The reason is, adornment and the right hand is honoured.” Refer Al-Majmu’, Al-Nawawi (4/333)
Referring to the question presented, in our opinion in the issue of wearing a watch, it is closer to be analogically deduced (qiyas) with wearing a ring, for both is worn on one’s hand. Thus, when we say that it is permissible to wear a ring on the left hand, then it is also permissible to wear a watch on the left hand.
Wearing a watch is not considered as resembling the disbelievers. The reason is, it is not considered as their specific culture or custom at all. Furthermore, wearing a watch on the left wrist is a norm for everyone in the world including the Muslims.
Conclusion
To close, we would like to state that it is permissible to wear a watch on the left wrist. This is according to the analogical deduction to wearing a ring. However, if a person wears his watch on his right wrist with the intention of following the sunnah of the Prophet PBUH who prioritizes his right, then this is prioritized and he will be rewarded Insha Allah. Furthermore, if he wears a watch on his right hand and this does not burden him, such as he does not have to take it off when he wants to eat, then this is prioritized.
Lastly, we pray that Allah SWT give us the correct understanding in this religion. Amin.