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DECORATING WITHOUT DOUBT (Original article By Kiran Ansari. Published in Hiba Magazine, Volume 2 Issue 1. Slight changes have been made in the original article.) Read at: http://www.hibamagazine.com/decorating-wi thout-doubt-2/ Samia Asghar, a wife, mother and architect always received compliments on her ‘photo wall’-the wall at the entrance of her home, with a myriad of family photographs spanning three generations. Everyone who entered her home, even the installers of her kitchen cabinets, couldn’t help but pause and look at the elegantly displayed personal memories. Samia, like many who enlarge favourite poses, took great pride in her wall until it dawned upon her. It wasn’t d uring an Islamic lecture or while reading an Islamic book, but while sorting through her jewellery at the bank locker that she asked herself, “Why do I keep my valuables locked up safely in velvet boxes, and leave my most cherished possessions out for everyone to see? Would I display my diamonds this way? Of course not! I would keep them safe so no one would eye them inappropriately.” Samia voiced her concerns to a friend who encouraged her to consider taking down the pictures, but with the right intention. Several authentic Ahadeeth explained the issue to Samia: Narrated by Anas (rta), Aisha (rta) had a thick curtain with pictures on it, and she screened the side of her house with it. The Prophet (s.a.w.w) said: “Remove it from my sight, for its pictures are still coming to my mind in my prayers.” (Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 72, Number 842 ) Narrated by Abu Talha (rta), The Prophet (s.a.w.w) said: “Angels do not enter a house in which there is a dog or there are pictures of living creatures (animals or humans).” (Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 72, Number 833) Once Jibrael (a.s) promised to visit the Prophet but he delayed and the Prophet got worried about that. At last he came out and found Jibrael (a.s) and complained to him of his grief (for his delay). Jibrael (a.s) said to him, "We do not enter a place in which there is a picture or a dog." (Bukhari , Volume 7, Book 72, Number 843) Hanging pictures of loved ones who have passed away in imitation of other faiths to remind us of them is not an Islamic practice either. We should also refrain from painting portraits or hanging them based on the following Hadeeth: Narrated by Aisha (rta), the Prophet (s.a.w.w) said: “Whoever makes a picture will be punished on the Day of Resurrection and will be asked to give life to what he has created but he will not be able to do so .” (Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 72, Number 846)
