Ruling:
The buying and selling of pictures depicting living beings are prohibited in Islam. This prohibition is rooted in authentic evidence from the Sunnah. The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) said:"Indeed, Allah and His Messenger have prohibited the sale of alcohol, dead animals, pigs, and idols."
[Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 2236; Sahih Muslim, Hadith 1581/71]
These pictures can lead to exaggeration in reverence for the depicted figures, potentially fostering love and veneration that crosses permissible boundaries. This was a major factor in the deviation of the people of Prophet Nuh (عليه السلام).
Historical Context:
The Qur'an mentions the actions of the people of Nuh (عليه السلام):"And they said: 'Never leave your gods and never leave Wadd, Suwa', Yaghuth, Ya'uq, and Nasr.'"
[Surah Nuh: 23]
Ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنهما) explained this verse as follows:
"These were the names of righteous people among the people of Nuh. When they died, Satan inspired their people to set up statues at their places of gathering and to name the statues after them. Initially, they did not worship them, but when that generation passed away and knowledge was lost, they began to worship them."
[Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 4920]
This highlights how images and statues can lead to idolatry and deviation over time.
Other Evidences on the Prohibition of Images:
Numerous texts emphasize the prohibition of creating, displaying, or using images of living beings, making it clear that this practice is not permissible.Pictures on Objects and Tools
- Pictures Displayed with Reverence:If the pictures of living beings are displayed on objects like coins, currency notes, garments, or tools, and these objects are used in a way that signifies respect (e.g., hung on walls), their trade becomes prohibited. This is because such use falls under the general prohibition of using or promoting images of living beings.
- Pictures on Objects Used Disrespectfully:If the pictures appear on items designed for disrespectful use, such as mats walked upon, tools, or cushions that people lean on or lie upon, their use is permissible. This ruling is based on the practice of Aisha (رضي الله عنها):
"I had a curtain with images on it, and the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) came and tore it down. I then made two cushions from it on which he (ﷺ) would recline."
[Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2107/95]
In another narration:
"I cut it into two pillows, and I saw him reclining on one of them, and it had an image on it."
[Musnad Ahmad, Hadith 247/6]
Conclusion:
Based on the evidence:- Creating or buying and selling pictures of living beings for any purpose is impermissible.
- Objects bearing images, such as clothing or tools, should not be used in ways that signify respect.
- Items with images used for degrading purposes, such as rugs or cushions, are allowed.
[Permanent Committee for Islamic Research and Fatwas: Fatwa No. 1974]