[Explanation]

Imam al-Nawawi (may Allah have mercy on him) cites, in the chapter “Showing Anger When the Law of Allah Is Violated” of his work Riyadh al-Salihin—after the Qur’anic verses with which he opened the chapter, which we have already discussed—the following hadith of ʿAʾishah (may Allah be pleased with her). The first report states that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) returned from a journey and found that she had draped a small alcove with a thin curtain bearing images. He tore it down and declared, “The people who will receive the severest punishment are those who imitate the creation of Allah,” meaning the image-makers. They incur the harshest punishment because they tried to rival Allah, exalted is He, in His act of creating and forming.

In earlier times, images were fashioned entirely by hand, for there were no instruments or devices capable of capturing pictures automatically. Artists sketched with their own hands, and a skilled craftsman would produce a likeness so exact that people would marvel: “How great is this man’s skill and knowledge! How was he able to replicate the creation of Allah?” Their aim, therefore, was to share with Allah—yet He has no partner—in the act of shaping. Allah, exalted is He, says, “He is the One Who forms you in the wombs as He wills” (3:6) and “He shaped you and perfected your forms” (40:64).

“He tore it down” means that he ripped it apart.