Ibn Bazz: Offering Salah in a place where pictures exist

Offering Salah in a place where pictures exist 

Q: Is it permissible to offer Salah (Prayer) in a place where pictures are around like newspapers, magazines, and books, given the fact that they may be kept in a drawer? Is it true that angels do not enter a house where pictures are there? 

A: Salah offered properly in a place where pictures are around is valid. However, it is better to look for a place where there are no pictures. 

As for whether angels do not enter the place where pictures are, the matter requires explanation: 

Angels do not enter houses where pictures or statues are hung on walls or put on tables or chairs. This is based on the general meaning of the Hadiths narrated in this regard. As for homes where pictures or statues are kept in drawers and are not noticeable, it is not sure whether angels are prevented from entering or not. However, to be on the safe side, the believer should not keep any of these pictures unless there is a need for them. He may keep them on condition that he has the heads of statues cut off and removed. 

Allah alone grants success. 10/419