Mukhtasar Bukhari (Abridged) 1045 — Selling images of lifeless things

Narrated from Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) that a man came to him and said, "O Abu al-Abbas (this was his kunyah)! I am a man whose livelihood depends on the work of my own hands, and I make these pictures." Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) said, "I will tell you only what I heard from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him), and that is: The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said, 'Whoever makes a picture, Allah will punish him until he puts life into it, and he will never be able to put life into it.'" Hearing this, the man sighed deeply and his face turned pale. Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them) said, "Woe to you! If you must do this work, then make pictures of trees or things that do not have a soul."