This might be of interest to some.

[Lew]

Originally Posted by spiral

Micheal are the gold scabbard Jambiys for rich tourists or true pieces, do you think?


Spiral

I read somewhere that gold was looked down upon for use on weapons by some Islamic cultures silver was considered to be a more spiritually pure metal?

Lew

[Bill M]

Actually, Lew, it is forbiden for men to wear gold, but not women. I think that silk is also forbidden to men, but not women.

[spiral]

Thats intresting re.Gold, I understand Many of the most sought after Yemini Jambia have gold coins on them.

Perhaps different sects in Islam follow different rulings or teachings?

Or perhaps its like Christians should theoreticaly be against money lenders but Banks still do rather well in the Christian world? The Vatican even has its own bank after all.

There certanly have been gold coins minted in many Muslim countrys too.

mmmm Id like to know more about this.

Spiral

[Bill M]

Originally Posted by spiral

Thats intresting re.Gold, I understand Many of the most sought after Yemini Jambia have gold coins on them.

Perhaps different sects in Islam follow different rulings or teachings?

Or perhaps its like Christians should theoreticaly be against money lenders but Banks still do rather well in the Christian world? The Vatican even has its own bank after all.

There certanly have been gold coins minted in many Muslim countrys too.

mmmm Id like to know more about this.

Spiral

As far as Hebraic law and prohibitions against usurious interest, often they would say I gave you ten barrells of olive oil, or whatever, but the receipt you sign says I gave you 12 barrels. And you owe me 12 barrels. BUT I did not charge you interest.

Interesting how people get around religious laws.

I have a Moro kris with gold in the hilt and a barong with a gold ferrule. As I understand it (limited understanding here) the prohibition is more against being worn, like jewelry, than coins or weapons.

Even in being worn, it is not entirely prohibited, unless there is a lot of it. A silver watch with gold numerals is ok, but a gold watch is not ok.

I am not going on hard facts and knowledge here, just opinions from Muslim friends. They are researching further.

[spiral]

Thanks Bill thats interesting, I like the olive oil story.

I was told once that thaler & Victorian soveriegns were popular in Arab & Muslim African countries as A Woman on a coin, an unveiled one at that was considered Risque or naughty.

I wonder if gold embelishments are sort of "naughty" but acceptable as not bieng "worn" even if always carried?

Spiral