What is the ruling on our prayer and the presence of angels in our homes that contain numerous pictures of animate beings, which we turn over or cover when we pray?

It has been previously clarified that the ruling on photography, particularly with cameras and video, is a matter of scholarly disagreement. The preponderant opinion is that it is permissible, provided it is not accompanied by anything that would render it forbidden, such as a photograph of a woman displaying herself immodestly or a photograph intended for glorification.

Furthermore, if we consider the widespread prevalence of these images and their extensive circulation, making it difficult to avoid them, this warrants facilitation. Indeed, hardship brings ease, and widespread affliction has a special ruling.

Based on this, there is no harm in praying in a house where such pictures are present, Allah willing, provided they do not distract from the prayer and the worshipper is unable to remove them, or if removing them would cause hardship or difficulty. Scholars have explicitly stated that dishonored images (like those on currency) are not objectionable. It is not far-fetched to consider the widespread images of this type as falling under this category.

If the worshipper finds a place free of images, praying there is better. It is disliked to pray in clothes, on rugs, or behind curtains that have images on them.

According to the view that permissible photography is allowed, angels do not refrain from entering a place as long as the image is permissible, or if it is dishonored, or if it is not dishonored but its form has been altered by cutting off its head or half of it. Al-Khattabi said: The image that prevents angels from entering is that which is forbidden to possess, of living beings, whose head has not been cut off or which has not been dishonored.