This article is derived from the book 500 Questions and Answers for Women, which is based on the fatwas of the scholars of the Haramain and translated by Hafiz Abdullah Saleem.
However, there are exceptions where making images is permitted out of necessity, such as printing pictures of criminals and suspects for identification and arrest, as well as passport and identification card photographs. We hope that such images and similar necessary cases do not prevent angels from entering homes. Likewise, images found on frequently used items such as bedspreads and pillows may be exempt.
One of the Hadiths regarding the prohibition of images is the statement of the Prophet ﷺ:
"Indeed, those who create these images will be punished on the Day of Judgment, and they will be told: Bring to life what you have created."
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 4886)
Furthermore, Abu Juhaifa (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said:
"Indeed, the Prophet ﷺ cursed the one who consumes usury, the one who pays it, and the one who makes images."
(Al-Mu'jam al-Kabir, 22/117)
(Shaykh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah bin Baz, رحمه الله)
Question:
We have heard from some people that undoubtedly, images are prohibited (ḥarām) and that angels do not enter a house in which there are images. Is this true? And does this prohibition specifically apply to three-dimensional images of humans and animals, or does it include all types of images, such as those on identification cards and currency notes? If the prohibition extends to all kinds of images, what is the solution for purifying the house from them? Kindly provide us with guidance.Answer:
Yes, undoubtedly, all images of living beings—whether of humans or animals—are prohibited (ḥarām), regardless of whether they are three-dimensional sculptures, drawings on paper or fabric, or pictures captured by a camera. Angels do not enter a house that contains such images, as indicated by the general implication of authentic Hadiths.However, there are exceptions where making images is permitted out of necessity, such as printing pictures of criminals and suspects for identification and arrest, as well as passport and identification card photographs. We hope that such images and similar necessary cases do not prevent angels from entering homes. Likewise, images found on frequently used items such as bedspreads and pillows may be exempt.
One of the Hadiths regarding the prohibition of images is the statement of the Prophet ﷺ:
"Indeed, those who create these images will be punished on the Day of Judgment, and they will be told: Bring to life what you have created."
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 4886)
Furthermore, Abu Juhaifa (رضي الله عنه) narrated that the Prophet ﷺ said:
"Indeed, the Prophet ﷺ cursed the one who consumes usury, the one who pays it, and the one who makes images."
(Al-Mu'jam al-Kabir, 22/117)
(Shaykh Abdul Aziz bin Abdullah bin Baz, رحمه الله)