Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Those who make these pictures will be punished on the Day of Resurrection, and it will be said to them. 'Make alive what you have created.'"
Hadith Text & Context
Narrated by Abu Juhaifa: Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "Those who make these pictures will be punished on the Day of Resurrection, and it will be said to them. 'Make alive what you have created.'" (Sahih al-Bukhari 5951)
This hadith appears in the "Book of Dress" (Kitab al-Libas) and addresses the prohibition of creating images of animate beings, particularly those with souls.
Meaning of "Pictures" (Suwar)
The term "pictures" (suwar) refers specifically to images of animate beings - humans, animals, and angels - that possess souls (ruh). This prohibition applies to drawings, paintings, sculptures, and any form of representation that attempts to imitate Allah's creative act.
Scholars distinguish between complete images and incomplete ones (missing limbs), with the latter carrying less severity. Images of inanimate objects like trees, mountains, or buildings are generally permitted.
The Nature of the Punishment
The punishment mentioned is for those who arrogate to themselves the divine attribute of creation. When commanded to "make alive what you have created," they will be unable to do so, thus exposing their impotence compared to Allah's perfect creative power.
This serves as a humiliating demonstration that only Allah gives life and creates with true substance. The creator of images merely produces a lifeless form without spirit.
Scholarly Exceptions & Applications
Most classical scholars permitted images for necessary purposes: educational diagrams, medical illustrations, and images essential for identification documents.
Images that are degraded or not venerated (such as on carpets walked upon) are treated with more leniency. Children's toys were also given some concession by several jurists.
The strictest prohibition applies to images that might lead to idolatry or those displayed in places of honor where they could be worshipped or excessively admired.
Spiritual Wisdom Behind the Prohibition
This prohibition preserves tawhid (divine unity) by preventing any imitation of Allah's exclusive creative power. It also protects against shirk (associating partners with Allah) that often begins with image veneration.
Furthermore, it cultivates spiritual consciousness by directing attention toward the unseen realm rather than material representations, and protects modesty by preventing the display of human and animal forms in immodest contexts.