Is it permissible to display framed photographs?

Is it permissible to display framed photographs of living or deceased family members in one’s home for mementos or decoration?
Recently, I read a hadith stating that angels will not enter a house containing pictures or statues.
I understand the ruling regarding statues and depictions associated with polytheism.
However, I am confused about ordinary family photographs. Many people display framed photographs of living or deceased family members in their homes simply to preserve memories or for decoration. They do this without any intention of worship, seeking blessings, or excessive mourning.
Is it permissible in Islam?
Does the ruling in the hadith concerning pictures also apply to printed photographs today?
I also heard that photographs should not be placed in front of a person during prayer or on the wall facing the qiblah as they can distract the worshipper. Is it true?
If so, is it permissible to keep these photos elsewhere in the house or hang them on walls that do not face the qiblah?
Secondly, is displaying such photos at home haram or merely an unrecommended act?
If someone has such photos hanging in his home, is it considered a sin?
Please explain your answer in light of the Quran, sound hadiths, and the opinions of reliable scholars.

Dear Brother / Sister,

The prohibitions regarding images mentioned in the hadiths are based on objectionable connotations such as idolatry, sanctification, claims of resemblance to Allah’s attribute of creation, arrogance, and ostentation. Indeed, during the early days of Islam, depictions of living beings were treated with greater caution, especially due to idolatrous practices.

Regarding photographs today, however, there are differing opinions among scholars. While some scholars view a photograph as a depiction of a living being in the classical sense, others have issued different rulings, arguing that it is merely the recording of an image.

When keeping photographs of family elders or close relatives as keepsakes, the following points should be considered:

1. If photographs contain anything religiously objectionable, contrary to modesty or Islamic ethics, it is not appropriate to display them for others to see.

2. Showing respect for photographs and keeping them as mementos is one thing; sanctifying them, hoping for blessings from them, or excessively glorifying them is quite another. Such a faith and intention are incorrect.

3. It is more appropriate for photographs kept at home not to be placed in front of the person praying or in a distracting position toward the qiblah because it is recommended to avoid elements that could diminish tranquility during prayer.

Accordingly, some scholars see no harm in keeping family photographs taken for commemorative purposes, provided they do not contradict Islamic beliefs and moral standards, and are not intended to sanctify or excessively glorify them.

However, photographs of mahram relatives or those that are inappropriate for others to see should not be kept in plain view. They should be kept in a place where only the person who owns them can see them.

In conclusion, the ruling on possessing a photograph is assessed based on its content, the meaning it conveys, and the purpose for which it is kept.

Depictions that contradict the principles of Islamic faith and ethics or that are intended for sanctification or a haram purpose are objectionable.

Apart from this, there are differing ijtihads regarding photographs kept solely as mementos and that do not convey any false beliefs; it is advisable to exercise caution and avoid situations that might hinder the tranquility of prayer.

Questions on Islam