The Forgotten Sunnah: Why Islam Warns Against Image-Making and Photography
“Do not feel lonely on the path of truth due to the few who walk it.”
This timeless statement encapsulates a profound reality of our time. Truth is not measured by numbers, but by its alignment with the Qur’an and the authentic Sunnah of our beloved Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). One such truth that has become increasingly estranged is the prohibition of image-making and the normalization of displaying pictures and figures.
Sheikh Ḥamūd ibn ʿAbdullāh at-Tuwaijrī (رحمه الله), one of the scholars who dedicated his life to upholding the Sunnah, once said:
“The widespread prevalence of image-making, selling, and purchasing has become a serious affliction. Many of those affiliated with knowledge—both teachers and students—have become fascinated with acquiring such images, as well as with newspapers, magazines, and books that contain them, let alone others outside this circle. Displaying these images in homes, gathering places, and shops has become a familiar and accepted custom among many people. Those who object to this practice or denounce the creation of such images are often met with mockery, ridicule, and derision. This is a clear indication of the deepening estrangement of Islam and the widespread ignorance of what Allāh sent His Messenger Muhammad—peace and blessings be upon him—with, particularly his command to demolish idols, break statues and crosses, and obliterate and deface images. Indeed, Allāh is the One whose help is sought.”
(From his treatise: ‘Iʿlān an-Nakīr ʿalā al-Muftatīn bi-Taṣwīr’)
This deeply insightful observation highlights the modern normalization of practices that were once considered grave violations of Tawḥīd (Islamic monotheism). It shows how certain manifestations of shirk (associating partners with Allah)—even if symbolic—are slowly being accepted or ignored, even by those who are considered students or teachers of Islamic knowledge.
What Does Islam Say About Image-Making?
The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) warned sternly against image-making and possessing images in one’s home:
“Indeed, the people who will be most severely punished on the Day of Judgment will be the image-makers.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)
“Angels do not enter a house that contains a dog or an image.”
(Muttafaqun ʿalayh)
These ahādīth serve as a serious reminder that Islam seeks to guard the purity of worship and the sanctity of homes and places of gathering. Unfortunately, today, the presence of such images in homes, social media, shops, and even places of learning is no longer seen as problematic. Instead, those who call towards removing such elements are often mocked or marginalized.
This is what Sheikh at-Tuwaijrī referred to as the deepening estrangement of Islam — when standing up for the truth becomes a lonely road, and the boundaries between haqq and bāṭil are blurred.
Seeking Correct Knowledge and Support
In times like these, we must turn back to authentic Islamic education and surround ourselves with scholars and seekers of knowledge who uphold the Qur’an and Sunnah.
Join Our Courses at the Institute of Quran and Sunnah (IQS)
We offer structured courses in:
- Aqeedah (Islamic Creed)
- Tafsir and Hadith
- Islamic Ethics and Manners
Click here to register now and become a student of knowledge grounded in Qur’an and Sunnah.
Need Spiritual Support or Islamic Counseling?
If you are dealing with confusion, spiritual doubts, or psychological distress related to modern-day challenges, our certified Ruqyah and Islamic Counseling Services are here to support you. Whether it’s spiritual issues, waswas (whispers), or emotional hardship, we are here to help—confidentially and Islamically.
Final Reflection
We ask Allah to make us among those who walk the path of truth, even if we must walk it alone. As the Prophet (peace be upon him) said:
“Islam began as something strange and will return to being strange as it began, so glad tidings to the strangers.”
(Sahih Muslim)
May Allah make us from the Ghurabā’ (the strangers)—those who hold firmly to the Sunnah, correct the wrongs, and are not swayed by societal norms that contradict divine guidance.
Share this message, reflect deeply, and join the revival of authentic Islamic learning at Institute of Quran and Sunnah.
Register here to begin your journey of seeking sacred knowledge.
Discover more from Institute of Quran and Sunnah
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Lorem Ipsum
About Author:
