Are ornaments of animals such as dolphins or birds allowed in the house, like a vase, etc?

Picture frames and photographs of animate objects are not permissible to display. Frames having pictures of inanimate objects e.g. trees, mountains, etc. are permissible.
- Hadhrat Abu Talha (Radhiyallaahu Ánhu) narrates that Nabi (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, 'Angels do not enter a house wherein there is a dog or picture.' (Mishkãt vol. 2 p. 385)
? Ábdullah ibn Masóod (Radhiyallaahu Ánhu) narrates that Rasulullah (Sallallaahu Álayhi Wasallam) said, 'The people with the most severe punishment by Allah will be the picture makers.' (Ibid).
? Hadhrat Ibn Abbas (RA) narrates, 'I heard the messenger of Allah saying, "Every picture-maker will be in the fire. A life will be created for every picture the picture-maker made, and he will be tortured in Hell." If you have to make pictures (says Ibn Abbaas) then make a picture of a tree or such things which are inanimate.' (Bukhari and Muslim)

However, if the frames are of inanimate objects but containing verses of the Noble Qurãn, Hadith and names of Allah Taãla then extreme caution must be taken where these frames are hung. If hung at home in the lounge or sitting room then due respect should be shown by not using vulgar language or smoking there.

It is not permissible to keep ornaments of animate items in the house.

Was salaam

Mufti E Desai
Fatwa Dept.