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Ruling concerning hanging and possessing pictures

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

Response: 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 (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) told 'Alee:

((Do not leave any image, but [instead] efface it)).

It is also confirmed in the hadeeth of Jaabir that:

((The Prophet (sal-Allaahu `alayhe wa sallam) prohibited having pictures in houses)).

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

Shaykh Ibn Baaz
Fataawa al-Mar.ah