Is it haram to keep pictures in the house, including those of deceased family members?

Al-jawab billahi at-taufeeq (the answer with Allah’s guidance)

1) One must get rid of living pictures of the deceased etc. This ruling applies on all pictures of living objects whether they are alive or deceased.

In Surah Al-Anbiya 21:51-54, Allah Ta’ala says:

“And indeed We bestowed afore time on Ibrahim (Abraham) his (portion of) guidance, and We were Well-Acquainted with him (as to his Belief in the Oneness of Allah, etc.). When he said to his father and his people: “What are these images, to which you are devoted?”
They said:”We found our fathers worshipping them.”
He said: “Indeed you and your fathers have been in manifest error.”

Narrated Aisha (RA):

When the Prophet became ill, some of his wives talked about a church which they had seen in Ethiopia and it was called Mariya. Um Salma and Um Habiba had been to Ethiopia, and both of them narrated its (the Church’s) beauty and the pictures it contained. The Prophet raised his head and said, “Those are the people who, whenever a pious man dies amongst them, make a place of worship at his grave and then they make those pictures in it. Those are the worst creatures in the Sight of Allah.” (Bukhari 2.425)

Narrated Ali ibn Abu Talib (RA):

Abul Hayyaj al-Asadi told that Ali ibn Abu Talib said to him: Should I not send you on the same mission as Allah’s Messenger sent me? Do not leave an image without obliterating it, or a high grave without levelling it. This Hadith has been reported by Habib with the same chain of transmitters and he said: (do not leave) a picture without obliterating it. (Muslim)

Why should pictures not be kept:

It opens the door of idol worship. That is, it will turn into a common custom. There are different level of understanding among the masses so, there is always the possibility of mischief and misuse as indeed, had happened earlier. Those who made icons did not themselves worship them but cast them to keep alive the memory of righteous elders and saints. Finally, it led to idol worship. Therefore, to keep pictures is unlawful even from an angle of reasoning and intelligence. (The wisdom behind the commands of Islam Pg. 350)

It should be remembered that, true memories of a Muslim relative or friend reside in the heart, and One must remember them by praying for mercy and forgiveness for them.

However, if one has kept the picture of their deceased, they will not have any difficulties in the grave. Insha Allah.

2) Nabi (Sallallaahu Alayhi Wasallam) is reported to have said that, ‘The Malaaikah (angels) do not enter into those homes wherein there are dogs and pictures (of animate objects).’ [Reported by Imam al-Bukhari and Muslim ].

This Hadith means that such an action constitutes violation and disobedience to Divine Orders. The presence of Angels manifests Allah’s Mercy. So, the house in which there is no Mercy of Allah, is not good.

Also, In the light of the above Hadith, we understand that animate pictures should not be kept in the house. Hence, newspapers and magazines should be removed from the house after being used.

However, if one cannot remove it after use, it should then be covered with something or place it in the cabinet draw or something similar.

And Only Allah Ta’ala Knows Best.

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Moulana Qamruz Zaman
London, UK