Dars e Ahadith-Arts Pictures In Islam
“Bismillahir Rahmannir Raheem”Al-Hamdu Lillaahi Rabbil ‘Aalameen was Salaatu was- Salaamu ‘Alaa Sayidinaa Muhammadin wa Aalihi wa Asabihi Ajma ‘een (tauheed- risalat- ahkirat and islam-iman-ihsan)
CONCEPT OF PICTURES IN ISLAM
“The reward of deeds depends upon the intentions and every person will get the reward according to what he has intended.” (Bukhari, Book 1, Volume 1)
They worked for him (Prophet Sulaiman (as)) as he desired, (making) arches, IMAGES, basins as large as reservoirs, and (cooking) cauldrons fixed (in their places): “Work O’ Sons of dawood(as) with thanks! but few of My servants are grateful!”. (Saba – 13)
Narrated by Ummul Momineen Aisha (ra) – “I used to play with dolls in the presence of the Prophet (saws) and my girl friends also used to play with me. When Allah’s Apostle (saws) used to enter (my dwelling place) they used to hide themselves, but the Prophet (saws) would call them to join and play with me. (Bukhari).
Narrated Ibn Umar: Once the Prophet (saws) went to the house of Fatima (ra) but did not enter it. ‘Ali (ra) came and she told him about that. When ‘Ali (ra) asked the Prophet (saws) about it, he said, “I saw a (multicolored) decorated curtain on her door. I am not interested in worldly things.” ‘Ali (ra) went to Fatima (ra) and told her about it. Fatima (ra) said, “I am ready to dispense with it in the way the Prophet (saws) suggests.” The Prophet (saws) ordered her to send it to such-and-such needy people.” (Bukhari – Book #47, Hadith #783).
The above Hadith clearly establishes the fact that though Prophet Mohammad (saws) did not like his daughter Fatima (ra) to use the decorated curtain, but he gave it to a needy Sahabi for use. This shows that using of decorated curtain is not forbidden (Haraam) in Islam. However, Prophet (saws) preferred that his family members maintain utmost simplicity as far as possible.
Narrated Busr bin Said(ra): That Zaid bin Khalid Al-Juhani (ra) narrated to him something in the presence of Said bin ‘Ubaidullah Al-Khaulani (ra) who was brought up in the house of Ummul Momineen Maimuna (ra). Zaid (ra) narrated to them that Abu Talha (ra) said that the Prophet (saws) said, “The Angels (of Mercy) do not enter a house wherein there is a picture.” Busr (ra) said, “Later on Zaid bin Khalid (ra) fell ill and we called on him. To our surprise we saw a curtain decorated with pictures in his house. I said to Ubaidullah Al-Khaulani (ra), “Didn’t he (i.e. Zaid- ra) tell us about the (prohibition of) pictures?” He said, “But he excepted the embroidery on garments. Didn’t you hear him?” I said, “No.” He said, “Yes, he did.” (Bukhari – Book # 54, Hadith # 449).
Narrated by Anas (ra). Ummul Momineen Aisha (ra) had a Qiram (a thin marked woolen curtain) with which she had screened one side of her home. The Prophet (saws) said, “Take away this Qiram of yours, as its pictures are still displayed in front of me during my prayer” (Bukhari – Book # 8, Hadith # 371).
Narrated by Al-Qasim (ra): ‘Ummul Momineen Aisha (ra) said that she hung a curtain decorated with pictures (of animates) on a cupboard. The Prophet (saws) tore that Curtain and she turned it into two cushions which remained in the house for the Prophet (saws) to sit on. (Bukhari – Book # 43, Hadith # 659).
“Whoever makes a picture in this world will be charged with breathing spirit (into it), while he is not one that breathes (spirits).” (Bukhari)
“Verily, of the most grievously tormented people on the Day of Resurrection are picture-makers.” (Bukhari, Muslim)
It is, however, observed that every single Islamic scholar / Shaikh in the world takes his picture for the lawful purposes like Passport, I-cards, Medical Purposes, Drivers License, Security screening, X-Rays, Scans, and a host of other things. Their followers are also allowed to take pictures for all lawful purposes.
Prohibition of pictures drawn or taken for unlawful purposes like worship, immorality, hatred, satire, etc. Similarly, hanging of pictures (of deities or scantily clad film / sport persons or pictures which are forbidden in Islam) are not allowed to be hanged on the walls of the house.
Its like keeping dogs as pets inside the houses is prohibited. However, keeping dogs for self protection or protection of live stock and extensive fields / large gardens is allowed provided they are kept outside the house.
When I want to talk to allah I say prayers and when I want that he talk to me I recite quran- Hazrath Ali(ra)
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