The Hadith (Inspired Sayings) of Muhammed

Pictures and Images

Doctrine forbidding pictures in Muslim homes -- Sahih Buhari--  Volume 4, Book 54, Number 447:

Narrated 'Aisha: I stuffed for the Prophet a pillow decorated with pictures (of animals) which looked like a Namruqa (i.e. a small cushion). He came and stood among the people with excitement apparent on his face.

I said, "O Allah's Apostle!

What is wrong?" He said,

"What is this pillow?" I said,

"I have prepared this pillow for you, so that you may recline on it." He said,

"Don't you know that angels do not enter a house wherein there are pictures; and whoever makes a picture will be punished on the Day of Resurrection and will be asked to give life to (what he has created)?"

And more on pictures -- Volume 4, Book 54, Number 448:

Narrated Abu Talha: I heard Allah's Apostle saying; "Angels (of Mercy) do not enter a house wherein there is a dog or a picture of a living creature (a human being or an animal)."

More on pictures -- Volume 4, Book 54, Number 450:

Narrated Salim's father: Once Gabriel promised the Prophet (that he would visit him, but Gabriel did not come) and later on he said, "We, angels, do not enter a house which contains a picture or a dog."