l entered a house in Medina with Abu Huraira, and he saw a man making pictures at the top of the house. Abu Huraira said, "I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying that Allah said, 'Who would be more unjust than the one who tries to create the like of My creatures? Let them create a grain: let them create a gnat.' "Abu Huraira then asked for a water container and washed his arms up to his armpits. I said, "0 Abu i Huraira! Is this something you have heard I from Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)?" He said, "The limit for ablution is up to the place where the ornaments will reach on the Day of Resurrection.'
Hadith Text & Context
"I entered a house in Medina with Abu Huraira, and he saw a man making pictures at the top of the house. Abu Huraira said, 'I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saying that Allah said, "Who would be more unjust than the one who tries to create the like of My creatures? Let them create a grain: let them create a gnat."' Abu Huraira then asked for a water container and washed his arms up to his armpits. I said, 'O Abu Huraira! Is this something you have heard from Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)?' He said, 'The limit for ablution is up to the place where the ornaments will reach on the Day of Resurrection.'"
Book: Dress | Author: Sahih al-Bukhari | Reference: Sahih al-Bukhari 5953
Prohibition of Image-Making
This narration contains two profound teachings. First, the severe prohibition of creating images of living beings. The divine statement transmitted through the Prophet (ﷺ) establishes that attempting to imitate Allah's creative act is among the greatest injustices. The challenge to "create a grain" or "create a gnat" demonstrates the absolute inability of humans to truly create, thus exposing the arrogance inherent in such imitation.
Scholars explain that this prohibition applies particularly to images of beings possessing souls (humans, animals) as these directly challenge Allah's exclusive right of creation. The severity is such that Abu Huraira immediately reacted upon seeing the image-maker, demonstrating how the companions understood and implemented this prohibition.
The Wisdom Behind Washing to Armpits
Abu Huraira's washing his arms up to the armpits serves as both a practical demonstration and spiritual purification after encountering this prohibited act. When questioned, he connects this action to the Prophet's teaching about the extent of ablution - that one must wash up to where ornaments reach on Judgment Day.
Classical scholars explain that ornaments (like bracelets) typically reach near the armpits, thus indicating the proper extent for washing arms during ablution. This connection shows how the companions derived practical rulings from the Prophet's teachings and implemented them in daily life, even in response to witnessing forbidden acts.
Legal Rulings Derived
From this hadith, jurists derive several rulings: The prohibition of making images of living creatures is established as a major sin. The proper method of performing ablution includes washing the arms completely up to the armpits. The companions' methodology in teaching through practical demonstration is validated. The importance of connecting worldly actions to their consequences in the Hereafter is emphasized.
Scholars note that this hadith combines both a warning against shirk (through imitation of divine creation) and instruction in worship (proper ablution), showing the comprehensive nature of Islamic teachings that address both creed and practice simultaneously.