Is Prayer Valid with Currency Notes Containing Images in the Pocket?

Authored by: Sheikh Mubashir Ahmad Rabbani (Hafizahullah)

Question:​

Often during prayer, we have currency notes with images in our pockets. Does this affect the validity of the prayer?

Answer:​

There is no doubt that creating and displaying images of living beings is prohibited in Islam. This is evident from multiple authentic Ahadith that highlight the severity of this prohibition:

1. Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud (رضي الله عنه) narrated:
   
   "Indeed, among the people receiving the severest punishment on the Day of Resurrection will be those who make images."
   [Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Libas, #5950; Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Libas, #2109]
2. Narration from Abdullah ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنهما):
   
   A man came to him and said, “I earn my livelihood through artwork and making images.” Ibn Abbas replied, “I will narrate to you what I heard from the Prophet (ﷺ):
   'Whoever makes an image, Allah will punish him until he breathes life into it, and he will never be able to do so.'”
   The man became distressed, and Ibn Abbas advised him to make images of non-living objects like trees.
   [Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Buyu‘, #2225; Sahih Muslim, Kitab al-Libas, #2110]
3. Abdullah ibn Abbas (رضي الله عنهما) narrated:
   
   "When the Prophet (ﷺ) entered Makkah, he refused to enter the Ka‘bah until all the idols and images inside it were removed, including images of Ibrahim and Isma‘il holding divination arrows. The Prophet (ﷺ) remarked:
   'May Allah destroy these people; they know well that Ibrahim and Isma‘il never used divination arrows.'
   Then he entered the Ka‘bah, said Allahu Akbar in its corners, and exited without praying inside."
   [Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Maghazi, #4288]

Scholarly Opinions:​

1. Imam Ibn Hajar Al-Asqalani (رحمه الله):

"This Hadith demonstrates the dislike (karahah) of praying in a place with images because such places are associated with shirk. Historically, many nations fell into disbelief through the use of images."
[Fath al-Bari, 8/17]
2. Imam Ibn al-Qayyim (رحمه الله):

"Satan deceived Christians into placing images in churches and worshiping them. No church is free of images of Mary, Jesus, or their so-called saints, whom they revere and even prostrate to."
[Ighathat al-Lahfan, 2/388]

Conclusion Regarding Prayer with Notes in Pocket:​

Although making and displaying images of living beings is prohibited, there are certain considerations when it comes to having currency notes in one's pocket during prayer:

1. Currency notes are issued by the government and the responsibility of the images lies with them.
2. Using these notes is a necessity in countries where they serve as the sole medium of transaction.
3. Keeping these notes outside during prayer, especially in public places or mosques, poses a risk of theft or loss.

The Shari‘ah acknowledges situations of necessity (darurah) and allows relaxation of certain prohibitions in such cases. Allah (سبحانه وتعالى) says:

"But if one is forced by necessity, without willful disobedience or transgression, then there is no sin upon him."
[Surah Al-Baqarah: 173]
Given that currency notes with images are:

• Hidden in the pocket during prayer,
• Not displayed or placed openly in the prayer area,

there is no direct impact on the validity of the prayer.

Recommendations:​

1. Avoid praying in places where images are displayed. If a room or area has pictures, they should be removed or covered before prayer.
2. Keep the notes discreetly in the pocket, ensuring they are not visible during prayer.

Ruling:​

It is permissible to pray with currency notes in your pocket as this does not invalidate the prayer. However, care should be taken to maintain the sanctity of the prayer space by avoiding open display of images.