because the Messenger, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, used a cushion containing an image (1), and because this is the opposite of the reason for which the use of images was prohibited: it constitutes degradation.

Some scholars, however, held that it is prohibited. They cited as evidence that the Prophet, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, came home one day and saw a cushion—that is, a pillow—containing images. He stopped and did not enter. Aishah said: “I recognized his disapproval in his face, so I said, ‘I repent to Allah and His Messenger for what I have done.’” He replied: “Those who make these images will be punished. They will be told: ‘Give life to what you have created.’” (2) They said: We therefore deem it prohibited, because the Messenger, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, disapproved of it and said: “Those who make these images will be punished,” and he said: “The angels do not enter a house in which there is an image.” (3)

The report stating that he reclined upon a cushion containing an image (4) is understood to refer to an image whose head had been removed. If an image’s head is removed, it is permissible.

There is no doubt that avoiding this is more scrupulous and more prudent. Therefore, do not use images, even in a degrading manner, such as in floor coverings and cushions. The safer course is safest. And if the Messenger, may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him, disliked entering a house because of something, then you should not feel at ease with it. For who can feel at ease in a place