How do the angels entrusted with writing deeds deal with the presence of pictures in the house, and is it permissible to pray in a place where there are pictures?

The guardian angels (al-mala'ikah al-hafadhah) enter houses that contain pictures. However, the angels of mercy (mala'ikah al-rahmah) do not enter houses that contain pictures or a dog. The pictures that prevent the entry of angels are those of animate beings (dawat al-arwah) that are not treated with disrespect (ghayr mumtahanah). Prayer is not permissible in a place that contains pictures, except out of necessity.