Is it permissible to get rid of statues by placing them in a sealed box in the house?
Placing statues in a closed box does not nullify their ruling, because we have been commanded to break or efface them, not to acquire or preserve them. As for preserving pictures, it is not permissible except for those that are disrespected. However, three-dimensional statues are more severe in their prohibition, and they must be destroyed or at least have their heads cut off, because angels do not enter a house in which there are statues or pictures. This is why Ali said to Abu al-Hayyaj: "Shall I not send you on what the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, sent me: that you leave no image but you efface it, nor any elevated grave but you level it?"
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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