The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Angels do not enter a house in which there is a dog or there are pictures."
Hadith Text & Reference
The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Angels do not enter a house in which there is a dog or there are pictures."
Book: Dress | Author: Sahih al-Bukhari | Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 5949
Meaning & Context
This hadith establishes a profound spiritual principle: the presence of angels, who bring divine mercy and blessings, is repelled by two specific things - dogs and images of animate beings.
The prohibition applies particularly to images that depict beings possessing souls (humans, animals), as these constitute an imitation of Allah's creative power. The presence of such images or dogs creates a barrier to angelic visitation.
Scholarly Commentary on Images
Scholars distinguish between different types of images. The strongest prohibition applies to three-dimensional statues and images used for veneration. Two-dimensional images (photographs, drawings) may be permitted when there is necessity, such as for educational purposes, identification documents, or when the image is degraded (decapitated, without facial features).
Images in children's toys or decorative items are generally discouraged. The key consideration is avoiding what might lead to shirk (associating partners with Allah) or extravagant decoration that distracts from worship.
Scholarly Commentary on Dogs
The prohibition against keeping dogs indoors applies to dogs kept as pets without legitimate need. Exceptions are made for specific purposes: hunting, guarding livestock, or protecting crops.
When kept for permissible reasons, dogs should be housed outdoors in appropriate facilities. The wisdom behind this ruling includes maintaining ritual purity, as a dog's saliva is considered najis (ritually impure), and preserving the sanctity of the home as a place of worship and angelic presence.
Practical Implications
Muslim households should avoid decorative images of humans and animals, opting instead for calligraphy, landscapes, or abstract art. Necessary images (like passport photos) are tolerated.
Pet dogs should not be kept inside living quarters without valid Islamic justification. If angels avoid such homes, the residents may be deprived of divine mercy, spiritual blessings, and the recording of good deeds that angels normally perform.