The Ruling Concerning Hanging and Possessing Pictures

Question:

What is the ruling concerning hanging a picture on the wall? What is the ruling concerning owning pictures of people?

Answer:

It is not allowed to hang a picture or keep a picture of any being that possesses a soul. It is obligatory to destroy such pictures. This is because the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi-wasallam) said,
“Do not leave any image, but [instead] efface it.” It was confirmed in the hadith of Jabir radiyallaahu ‘anhu that,

“That because the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alaihi-wasallam) prohibited having pictures in houses.”

Therefore, all pictures meant for remembrance should be torn to pieces or burnt. However, pictures that are needed out of necessity, such as for official identification purposes and so forth, may be kept.

Read more:

Calling Somebody Martyr or Marhum (One Who Has Been Shown Mercy)

Question : I have recently found out that it is not permissible to name a deceas...

The Ruling in Divulging Marital Secrets

Question : Some women are overcome by the urge to communicate what is said in th...

The Ruling on Qunut in Fajr Prayer

Question :I am a Muslim girl who has lived here in Saudi Arabia for about six ye...

At-Tawwaaf and Completing the Qur'aan (by reciting it all) for the Dead

I sometimes make Tawaaf for one of my relatives or for my parents, or for my gra...