On which hand is it Sunnah to wear a watch?

Nasihah (Advice): Sayyidatuna Aa’ishah (Radiyallahu Anha) said: “The Prophet of Allah (Sallallahu Alaihi Wasallam) used to prefer the right hand. He used to take with his right hand, he used to give with his right hand and in general, he would use the right hand for all (good) tasks” (Nasai, Hadith #: 5059)
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Question and Answer:

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

(Query published as received)

A. 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
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