Beginning of Creation - Sahih al-Bukhari 3225

I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying; "Angels (of Mercy) do not enter a house wherein there is a dog or a picture of a living creature (a human being or an animal)."

Commentary on the Prohibition

This hadith establishes two primary impediments to the entry of angels into dwellings: the presence of dogs and images depicting animate beings. The angels referred to here are specifically the Angels of Mercy who descend with divine blessings and record righteous deeds.

Concerning dogs, scholars distinguish between necessary purposes (hunting, guarding livestock, farming) and mere companionship. The former are permitted outdoors while the latter inside homes prevents angelic presence.

Regarding images, the prohibition applies specifically to complete representations of beings possessing souls (humans, animals). This is based on the Islamic principle of avoiding imitation of Allah's creative act. Exceptions exist for educational materials and incomplete representations (decapitated figures, landscapes).

Spiritual Consequences

The absence of angels means deprivation of their prayers for forgiveness, spiritual blessings, and the recording of good deeds in that space. This creates a spiritual void that may be filled by negative influences.

Scholars emphasize this ruling applies specifically to living spaces where prayers are offered and blessings are sought. Public spaces and necessary institutions may have different considerations based on necessity and public benefit.

Practical Implementation

Muslim households should maintain an environment welcoming to angels by removing prohibited images and keeping dogs only for legitimate needs in designated outdoor areas.

When necessary images exist for educational purposes, they should be placed in areas not used for prayer and preferably rendered incomplete or disrespectful to diminish their resemblance to divine creation.