Question:
Is there a great difference of opinion in the matter of wiping out pictures and how correct is this view?
Answer:
I do not know what you intend, for verily I do not know of any differing in this; the Prophet ﷺ sent Ali (may Allaah be pleased with him) with this command:
لَا تَدَعَنَّ قَبْرًا مُشْرِفًا إِلَّا سَوَّيْتَهُ، وَلَا صُورَةً فِي بَيْتٍ إِلَّا طَمَسْتَهَا
Do not come across a raised grave except that you have leveled it, nor a picture in a house except that you have wiped it out
[Narrated by Ali – may Allaah be pleased with him – in Nisaaee: Hadith Number 231]
This is the command of the Prophet ﷺ, pictures that possess souls are to be wiped out. There is only a difference (of opinion) concerning abased pictures (i.e. images that are trodden on; such as on carpets or tiles). Some scholars say ‘this picture is abased so there is no need to wipe it out’, but the hadeeth is general:
لَا تَدَعَنَّ قَبْرًا مُشْرِفًا إِلَّا سَوَّيْتَهُ، وَلَا صُورَةً فِي بَيْتٍ إِلَّا طَمَسْتَهَا
Do not come across a raised grave except that you have leveled it nor a picture in a house except that you have wiped it out
Whether it is abased or not abased; verily it should be covered, if a person is able.
If it has become a lot and the trial of it has become too widespread and a person is not able to cover except what is easy for him, then he covers what is easy for him. As for what is not easy for him:
لَا يُكَلِّفُ ٱللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَاۚ
Allaah does not budren a person beyond his scope
[2:286]
Especially in this time of ours where pictures have become abundant. However, we should pay attention and strive hard in covering what we are capable of and not become negligent.
Answered by: Shaykh Abu Bilaal Al-Hadhramy – may Allah preserve him-
Source: https://t.me/abubilalhami/3163
Answered on: 7th Rabbi’ Al-Awal 1441 (4th November 2019)
Translated by: Abu ‘Abdillah ‘Omar ibn Yahya Al-‘Awaki