When popular Muslim content creator N3on found himself browsing a watch display during a live broadcast, his eyes immediately landed on one particular piece.
“I want this one,” N3on said while pointing toward a gold timepiece. “Bottom left.”
The moment quickly turned into an unexpected religious discussion after UFC lightweight contender Arman Tsarukyan stepped in with a warning.
“Bro, you’re Muslim,” Tsarukyan told him.
N3on looked confused by the comment and asked, “What does that mean?”
“Muslim, cannot wear gold,” Tsarukyan explained.
People nearby reacted with amusement to the exchange, with a store attendant chiming in by saying it was “haram.”
“Haram. This guy doesn’t know,” Tsarukyan added.
Still uncertain, N3on then turned toward the store attendants and asked if they were Muslim. “No,” they replied, though they confirmed they were familiar with the rule.
“But they know,” Tsarukyan responded.
For those outside the faith, the Islamic prohibition on gold for men is rooted in documented sayings attributed to the Prophet Muhammad, who reportedly forbade men from wearing gold and silk while permitting both for women.
Some view it as a way of maintaining distinct expressions of masculinity and femininity in dress, since gold and silk have long been associated with ornament and luxury. Others frame it as a check on material pride, discouraging the public display of wealth as a means of status. Across schools of Islamic thought, the consensus remains broadly consistent, even if the theological nuance varies by tradition.
Tsarukyan is not Muslim. He is Orthodox Christian, of Russian-Armenian heritage, and the widespread assumption that he might follow Islam largely stems from his background in the world of Dagestan-bred wrestling. The region is renowned for producing some of the most elite grapplers in the sport. Tsarukyan developed his craft within that same competitive environment but carries an entirely different faith.
