The Book of Adornment - Sunan an-Nasa'i 5353

"We had a curtain on which there were images of birds, at the entrance to the house. The Messenger of Allah [SAW] said: 'O 'Aishah, remove it, for every time I come in and see it, I remember this world.'" She said: "We had a plush wrap, with a border on it, that we would wear, and it was not cut off."

Commentary on the Prohibition of Images

The Prophet's command to remove the curtain containing images of birds demonstrates the Islamic prohibition against creating images of animate beings. This prohibition stems from the hadith where the Messenger of Allah stated that those who create images will be punished on the Day of Resurrection and told to "bring life to what you have created."

Scholars explain that images of animate beings are forbidden because they imitate Allah's creative act and may lead to idolatry or excessive attachment to worldly adornments.

The Wisdom Behind the Prohibition

The Prophet's statement "I remember this world" reveals the spiritual wisdom behind this ruling. Images distract the heart from remembrance of Allah and attach it to worldly decorations. The pure Muslim home should be free of such distractions that compete with Allah's remembrance in the heart.

This teaching encourages Muslims to maintain simplicity in their homes and avoid excessive decoration that may harden the heart or distract from spiritual pursuits.

Permissible Adornments

The second part of the narration clarifies what is permissible. The plush wrap with a border that they wore demonstrates that non-figurative designs, patterns, and borders are allowed. The key distinction is between images of animate beings (prohibited) and abstract designs or patterns (permissible).

This shows that Islam does not prohibit beauty and adornment altogether, but rather guides Muslims toward permissible forms of decoration that do not violate Islamic principles.