Is it disliked to write in the Qiblah direction or have decorative elements there?

Chapter on Imamate and Congregational Prayer

Al-Mughni

Book of Prayer

Book 3 · Issue 5 · Bab 10

Open in Qurani

Primary text

Imam Ahmad stated that writing anything in the Qiblah direction is prohibited because it occupies the heart of the worshipper, potentially leading him to become preoccupied with reading rather than focusing on the prayer. Likewise, decorating the wall (tazwiq) or anything that distracts the worshipper from prayer is disliked. The Prophet, peace be upon him, prayed in a garment (khameesah) with patterns; upon finishing, he commanded it be sent to Abu Jahm ibn Hudhayfah because it distracted him during the prayer, and he requested his simple cloth (anbijaniyyah) instead. Similarly, the Prophet told Aisha to remove a curtain (qiram) because its figures kept appearing to him during prayer. If this level of distraction was problematic for the Prophet, who was divinely protected and possessed great devotion, it is certainly more so for others.