Ibn Bazz: Offering Prayer in garments with pictures of animals drawn on them

Offering Prayer in garments with pictures of animals drawn on them 

Q: A brother from the city of Al­Ladhiqiyyah, Syria asks: Kindly enlighten me regarding offering Salah (Prayer) in garments with pictures of animals drawn on them. May Allah reward you best! 

(Part No. 10; Page No. 416) 

A : A Muslim is not allowed to wear garments with pictures of animals drawn on them because the Prophet (peace be upon him) cursed Musawwirs (one who makes pictures and statues, or photographs of living beings) and informed us that they will be tortured on the Day of Resurrection. They will be asked to breathe life into their pictures. The Prophet also ordered that drawings and pictures should be obliterated. When the Prophet (peace be upon him) saw pictures drawn on a curtain at `Aisha's house, he became angry and took them down. However, if one offers Salah in such clothes, it will be considered as valid, because the prohibition of Taswir (painting, drawing, sculpture, and photography) is general and is not specific to offering Salah. Offering Salah in these clothes takes the same ruling of offering it in a stolen garment. Salah offered by a Muslim man in a silk garment is valid according to the most correct of the two views held by scholars. However, one who offers Salah in these clothes must offer Tawbah (repentance) to Allah and determine not to repeat this again. 

There is nothing wrong, however, with pictures drawn on carpets or pillows and other things of this sort which are meant for use. It was authentically reported that the Prophet (peace be upon him) did not prohibit this. However as for Taswir itself, it is absolutely prohibited whether the objects produced are hung on walls or walked on. This is based on the general prohibition implied in the Hadiths which curse Musawwirs (people who make pictures and statues, or photographs of living beings). 

May Allah grant us success.