Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.  (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

Assalamu alaikumI would like to know what is the ruling on pictures on clothing worn to the masjid, in particular, shadow like human forms. I have been told that it`s acceptable as long as there are no eyes on the picture.

(There may be some grammatical and spelling errors in the above statement. The forum does not change anything from questions, comments and statements received from our readers for circulation in confidentiality.)

Answer:

Picture animate on clothes

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is no one (no idol, no person, no grave, no prophet, no imam, no dai, nobody!) worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad(saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

Sahih Al-Bukhari Hadith 7.110 Narrated by Aisha

I bought a cushion having on it (animate) pictures. When Allah's Messenger (saws) saw it, he stood at the door and did not enter. I noticed the sign of disapproval on his face and said, "O Allah's Messenger (saws)! I repent to Allah and His Messenger (saws). What sin have I committed?' Allah's Messenger (saws) said. "What is this cushion?" I said, "I have bought it for you so that you may sit on it and recline on it." Allah's Messenger (saws) said, "The makers of these pictures will be punished on the Day of Resurrection, and it will be said to them, 'Give life to what you have created (i.e., these pictures).' " The Prophet (saws) added, "The Angels of (Mercy) do not enter a house in which there are (animate) pictures."

In light of the above authentic narration of the Messenger of Allah (saws), it would not behove a believer who sincerely believes in Allah and the Last Day to wear a garment which has a picture of any animate object on it.

The eyes of the animate subject have absolutely no bearings on the legality of displaying or wearing a garment with a picture. If a garment displays or portrays an animate picture, regardless of whether the eyes are visible or not, the believers must abstain from wearing it.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your Brother in Islam,

Burhan