Hadith Text

The Prophet (ﷺ) said: "The angels do not enter a house which contains a picture, a dog, or a man who is impure by sexual defilement."

Source Reference

Sunan Abi Dawud 4152 | Book: Clothing (Kitab Al-Libas)

Scholarly Commentary

This hadith establishes three impediments to the entry of angels into dwellings. Firstly, images of animate beings are prohibited as they imitate Allah's creative act and may lead to idolatry. Secondly, dogs—except those needed for hunting, farming, or protection—drive away angels due to their impurity. Thirdly, sexual impurity (janabah) prevents angelic presence until purification (ghusl) is performed.

The angels referred to here are those recording deeds and bringing divine mercy, not the angels of death or those assigned to individuals. This prohibition emphasizes maintaining spiritual purity in one's living space and avoiding objects contrary to Islamic teachings.

Scholars note exceptions: images on carpets or pillows (when degraded), and dogs for permissible purposes. The ruling applies primarily to images displaying complete forms with shadows, particularly those venerated.

Legal Rulings

• Images of animate beings should be removed or defaced (e.g., by removing heads)
• Dogs without legitimate need are forbidden indoors
• Those in janabah must perform ghusl before prayer or Quran recitation
• These impediments affect houses, mosques, and places where blessings are sought