"The Messenger of Allah said: '; The angels do not enter a house in which there is a dog or a picture."
Hadith Text
"The Messenger of Allah said: 'The angels do not enter a house in which there is a dog or a picture.'"
Reference: Sunan an-Nasa'i 4282 | The Book of Hunting and Slaughtering
Meaning and Context
This hadith establishes that the presence of dogs and images depicting animate beings prevents angels from entering a dwelling. The angels referred to here are primarily the angels of mercy and divine blessings who record good deeds and bring spiritual tranquility.
The prohibition applies specifically to images with complete features that cast shadows, particularly those that may lead to idolatry or excessive veneration. Dogs kept for necessary purposes like hunting, guarding livestock, or farming are exempted from this ruling.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam an-Nawawi explains that angels avoid houses with dogs due to their impurity and because dogs were often associated with devilish influences. Regarding images, they are forbidden as they imitate Allah's creative act and may distract from spiritual devotion.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani clarifies that the prohibition of images applies particularly to those depicting beings with souls (humans and animals), while landscapes and inanimate objects are generally permissible. The wisdom behind this ruling is to preserve pure monotheism and prevent practices resembling pre-Islamic idolatry.
Practical Application
Muslims should avoid keeping dogs as pets without legitimate need and refrain from displaying images of animate beings in living spaces. Permissible exceptions include educational materials, identification documents, and security necessities.
When necessary dogs are kept, they should be maintained outside main living areas. Images should be placed where they won't be venerated, such as in books or low positions where they aren't prominently displayed.