What is the ruling on animal depictions on hanging items such as curtains and walls?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of the Wedding Feast
Primary text
If animal depictions are on hanging items, such as curtains and walls, and it is possible to remove them or cut off their heads, then one should do so before sitting or remaining there. If removal or alteration is not possible, one should withdraw and not sit there. This is the opinion held by the majority of scholars. Ibn Abd al-Barr stated this to be the most equitable of the schools of thought, citing its support from Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas, Salim, Urwah, Ibn Sirin, 'Ata', 'Ikrimah ibn Khalid, 'Ikrimah mawla Ibn Abbas, and Sa'id ibn Jubayr. It is also the madhhab of Al-Shafi'i.
Supporting text
Abu Hurayrah disliked all forms of depiction, whether fixed or spread out. Similarly, Malik disliked them, although he considered it a matter of pious avoidance (tanzih) rather than outright prohibition. They may have based their view on the general statement of the Prophet, peace be upon him, "The angels do not enter a house in which there is a depiction" (Muttafaqun 'Alayh). Ibn Mas'ud once refused to attend a meal until a depiction in the house was broken.