(the wife of the Prophet) I bought a cushion having pictures on it. When Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) saw it, he stopped at the gate and did not enter. I noticed the signs of hatred (for that) on his face! I said, "O Allah's Messenger (ﷺ)! I turn to Allah and His Apostle in repentance! What sin have I committed?" He said, "What about this cushion?" I said, 'I bought it for you to sit on and recline on." Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said, "The makers of these pictures will be punished (severely) on the Day of Resurrection and it will be said to them, 'Make alive what you have created.'" He added, "Angels do not enter a house in which there are pictures."
Hadith on Images and Pictures
Sahih al-Bukhari 5961 - Book: Dress
This narration from Ummul Mu'minin 'A'ishah (may Allah be pleased with her) contains profound legal and spiritual guidance regarding images of animate beings.
Scholarly Commentary
The Prophet's refusal to enter a house containing images demonstrates the gravity of this matter in Islamic law. His stopping at the gate indicates the seriousness of the prohibition.
The "signs of hatred" on his blessed face show that this is not merely disliked but prohibited (haram), as the Prophet's disapproval was reserved for forbidden matters.
The warning that "makers of these pictures will be punished" refers to images that contain complete features of animate beings, particularly those with shadows, as this resembles Allah's act of creation.
The statement "Make alive what you have created" indicates they will be challenged to breathe life into their creations on Judgment Day as punishment for attempting to imitate divine creative power.
The exclusion of angels from such houses demonstrates the spiritual consequences, as angels bring mercy and divine blessings. Their absence leaves the house vulnerable to negative spiritual influences.
Legal Rulings Derived
This hadith establishes the prohibition of creating complete images of animate beings, especially those that cast shadows.
It shows the obligation to remove such images from Muslim homes and places of worship.
The immediate repentance of 'A'ishah demonstrates the requirement to swiftly abandon prohibited matters upon learning of their prohibition.
Scholars have made exceptions for educational purposes, children's toys, and images where certain features are missing, but the general prohibition remains firm.