Is it disliked to pray towards a standing image or picture?

Chapter on Imamate and Congregational Prayer

Al-Mughni

Book of Prayer

Book 3 · Issue 3 · Bab 10

Open in Qurani

Primary text

It is disliked to pray towards a standing image positioned facing the worshipper. This prohibition exists because images are worshipped besides Allah. A narration from Aisha states that she placed a garment with figures (tasawir) in front of the Prophet while he prayed, and he forbade it or disliked it, as narrated by Abd al-Rahman ibn Abi Hatim. Furthermore, images distract the worshipper by drawing the eye and causing inattention during prayer.