What is the wisdom behind the prohibition of creating portraits? (Sunni View)
The prohibition of creating portraits and images in Islam is rooted in concerns about idolatry and the potential misguidance that can arise from portraying living beings. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized this prohibition to maintain the purity of worship and to prevent any tendencies towards idolization.
Sahih al-Bukhari records a conversation where a man approached Ibn Abbas, expressing that his livelihood depended on making images. Ibn Abbas responded, stating, I will only tell you what I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say: 'Whoever makes an image, Allah will punish him until he breathes life into it, and there will never be anyone to breathe life into it'
Sahih al-Bukhari 34:172. This indicates the severity of the prohibition and the belief that image-making can lead to divine punishment.
Additionally, Sahih Muslim states, The Messenger of Allah said, 'The most severely punished people on the Day of Resurrection are the image-makers'
Sahih Muslim 37:151. This reinforces the idea that creating images is not just a trivial matter but has serious spiritual implications, highlighting the belief that such practices can distract Muslims from their faith and lead them away from the worship of Allah.
The wisdom in these prohibitions can thus be understood as a means to protect the faith from any form of corruption or diversion, ensuring that the focus remains solely on the worship of the Creator rather than His creations.
Sources
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Sahih al-Bukhari 34:172
Sahih al-Bukhari · Book 34, Hadith 172 · Narrated by Ibn Abbas
A man came to Ibn Abbas and said, "O Abu Abbas, I am a person whose livelihood comes from making images, and I make these pictures." Ibn Abbas said, "I will only tell you what I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) say: 'Whoever makes an image, Allah will punish him until he breathes life into it, and there will never be anyone to breathe life into it.'" The man turned pale and said, "Woe to you if you do not allow me to craft them." Ibn Abbas replied, "Then take these wooden materials; make all that has no soul." Abu Abdullah said, "Saeed bin 'Urooba heard this from Al-Nadr bin Anas."
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Sahih Muslim 37:151
Sahih Muslim · Book 37, Hadith 151 · Narrated by Abdullah
The Messenger of Allah said, "The most severely punished people on the Day of Resurrection are the image-makers."
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