between hand-drawn and photographic depictions—by prohibiting the former but not the latter—is a modern form of literalism and an unpraiseworthy rigidity, as I have demonstrated in The Etiquette of Marriage and Wedding in the Pure Sunnah (pp. 112–114).

Third: The prohibition also includes an image that is trodden underfoot if it is left as it is and not altered by cutting. This is the view to which al-Ḥāfiẓ inclined in al-Fatḥ.

Fourth: His words, “until it becomes like the form of a tree,” indicate that the alteration which makes use of an image permissible is only that which effaces its defining features, changing it until it takes another permissible form, such as that of a tree. Accordingly, it is not permissible to use an image even if it is such that it could not survive were it alive, as some jurists maintain, because in that case it still remains an image both in name and in its literal sense—such as half-figures and the like. Take note of this, for it is among the matters whose knowledge is important for the Muslim in this age, in which images have spread, become widespread, and grown overwhelming. If you wish to examine this matter in greater detail, refer to the aforementioned source (pp. 111–112).

Fifth: It indicates that images of inanimate objects are permissible and do not prevent the angels from entering, due to his words, “like the form of a tree.” For if depicting trees were forbidden, just as depicting animate beings is forbidden, Gabriel, peace be upon him, would not have commanded that it be changed into an image of a tree. This is clear, and it is supported by the hadith of Ibn ʿAbbās: “If you must do so, then make trees and whatever has no soul.” Muslim and Aḥmad narrated it (1/308).

Sixth: It is forbidden to keep a dog, because it too is a cause that prevents the angels from entering. But does it prevent their entry if it is a livestock or hunting dog? Apparently not, because keeping it is permissible. This is supported by the fact that a permissible image likewise does not prevent the angels from entering, as evidenced by the fact that