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Is it permissible to hang a "picture of Jerusalem" on the qiblah wall of a mosque?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

Worshippers must not allow Satan to sow discord among them in the houses of Allah, and disputes should be resolved by referring to people of knowledge. Regarding the hanging of pictures in the mosque, it is reprehensible (makruh), and the prohibition is stronger if the picture is in the direction of the Qibla, because it distracts the worshipper and resembles the adornment of churches. The Prophet (peace be upon him) forbade the over-construction and embellishment of mosques, as it distracts worshippers and goes against the guidance of the predecessors (Salaf), and it is one of the signs of the Day of Judgment. Whoever causes worshippers to be distracted from their prayers bears a share of sin. Furthermore, the embellishment of mosques with carvings is forbidden and occupies the hearts of worshippers. Some scholars consider it reprehensible to hang pictures of Al-Aqsa Mosque and the like, even if they are not pictures of living beings, because they fall under forbidden adornment and may suggest the glorification of what should not be glorified.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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