DECORATING WITHOUT DOUBT

(Original article By Kiran Ansari. Published in Hiba Magazine, Volume 2 Issue 1.

Slight changes have been made in the original article.)
Read at: http://www.hibamagazine.com/decorating-without-doubt-2/

Samia Asghar, a wife, mother and architect always received compliments on her photo
wall-the wall at the entrance of her home, with a myriad of family photographs spanning
three generations. Everyone who entered her home, even the installers of her kitchen
cabinets, couldnt help but pause and look at the elegantly displayed personal memories.
Samia, like many who enlarge favourite poses, took great pride in her wall until it dawned
upon her. It wasnt during an Islamic lecture or while reading an Islamic book, but while
sorting through her jewellery at the bank locker that she asked herself, Why do I keep my
valuables locked up safely in velvet boxes, and leave my most cherished possessions out for
everyone to see? Would I display my diamonds this way? Of course not! I would keep them
safe so no one would eye them inappropriately.
Samia voiced her concerns to a friend who encouraged her to consider taking down the
pictures, but with the right intention. Several authentic Ahadeeth explained the issue to
Samia:
Narrated by Anas (rta), Aisha (rta) had a thick curtain with pictures on it, and she screened
the side of her house with it. The Prophet (s.a.w.w) said:
Remove it from my sight, for its pictures are still coming to my mind in my prayers.
(Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 72, Number 842)
Narrated by Abu Talha (rta), The Prophet (s.a.w.w) said:
Angels do not enter a house in which there is a dog or there are pictures of living
creatures (animals or humans).
(Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 72, Number 833)
Once Jibrael (a.s) promised to visit the Prophet but he delayed and the Prophet got worried
about that. At last he came out and found Jibrael (a.s) and complained to him of his grief
(for his delay). Jibrael (a.s) said to him,
"We do not enter a place in which there is a picture or a dog."
(Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 72, Number 843)
Hanging pictures of loved ones who have passed away in imitation of other faiths to remind
us of them is not an Islamic practice either. We should also refrain from painting portraits or
hanging them based on the following Hadeeth:
Narrated by Aisha (rta), the Prophet (s.a.w.w) said:
Whoever makes a picture will be punished on the Day of Resurrection and will be asked
to give life to what he has created but he will not be able to do so.
(Bukhari, Volume 7, Book 72, Number 846)

Many of us lack the courage that Samia had when she took down all her pictures. But we
can intend to start today, pray to Allah to make it easy, and proceed gradually one room at a
time.

So, now what do you do with those blank walls and empty frames?
Replace them with things acceptable in our Deen. Remember, in Islam there are far more
dos than donts-for out of all beverages only alcohol is prohibited. We need to appreciate all
that is permitted rather than brood over what is not.
Allah is Al-Jameel, i.e. He is Beautiful and likes beautiful things. Our homes too should be
clean and beautiful without bordering on extravagance and ostentation. Look for reasonably
priced landscapes, still-life and Islamic calligraphy or better still, make your own. An
original Picasso landscape for a million dollars would be technically acceptable but would go
against the Islamic teachings of modesty. How about painting something using your
favourite colours or displaying your childrens artwork creatively?
There are other objects in the home that could cause us to step into gray areas. Many
families enjoy collecting statues and figurines from their travels. What can you bring back
from your travels? An idea my parents had was to start a collection of a particular object
from different parts of the world. My father bought teapots from China, Iran and Russia to
begin with, and before we knew it guests started to bring us unique teapots as gifts as well. I
have started an inexpensive collection to remember the places I have visited. I hang
souvenir pencils from all the places I have visited-Disney World, Dubai, and Niagara Fallsand hang them from wooden dowels in my hallway.
Having a room with a theme is gaining popularity. Here too, there are several permissible
alternatives: an Arabian inspired living room with floor cushions and coffee pots; or a
Mexican kitchen in bright colours with chili peppers and sombreros cans. They add
personality to your living spaces without compromising your belief.
Children love themes. So step in and inculcate good habits in their early years. Instead of
encouraging cartoon character murals, we could suggest generic themes that are not only
acceptable Islamically but last longer than a Spiderman fad for instance. Flowers or hearts
for girls, and cars or sports gear for boys are easy solutions. Before discouraging your
children from hanging posters of pop icons and movie stars, explain to them why. Telling
them that they should not do it because mom says so is insufficient. Rather that they
wouldnt be able to pray in their room and angels of mercy wouldnt enter their homes.
Having pictures of mosques and Ayahs that are readily available nowadays is a great idea.
However, sometimes people go to extremes and over night their homes become calligraphy
central. The word of caution here is that the Quran was sent to us as a guide. So, by framing
several Ayahs and not understanding or applying them is senseless. Similarly, wanting to
appear more religious to those who enter your home, or thinking that such pictures can
protect you, only means you are digressing from their actual purpose. A few chosen verses
that you act upon is a better idea or perhaps Duas for children to help them learn proper
sleeping and eating habits.

Another disturbing trend that is catching on these days is designating one room as the
prayer room and filling that with religious artwork. Our entire home should be a reflection
of our Muslim identity. Having enlarged close-ups of your daughters wedding photos in the
living room, and Ayat Al-Kursi in the prayer room makes you appear inconsistent. In other
words, picking and choosing where we apply the principles of our religion and where not,
we forget how Islam should be intertwined with every aspect of our lives and not just where
and when it is convenient for us.
For those of us in non-Muslim countries, having an inviting home to welcome neighbours
and colleagues of different faiths is a Dawah tool. A picture of the Kabah is an instant
conversation starter as well as a chance to talk about Islam without sounding preachy. A
modest yet elegant home reflects well on how simply yet stylishly Muslims live.
Modesty is the key word here. We have to strike a balance as to how much time, energy and
money we spend decorating. We know we are travellers, and our life in this world is but a
transitory phase before our permanent destination. Would we then spend all our resources
sprucing up a hotel room?
Avoid filling your home with priceless furniture and accessories, reserved for occasional
guests. The fear of breaking any of it will prevent you from enjoying your home. Your home
should be a place where you look forward to spending time with yourself and your family.
Let it be your safe haven from endless hours shopping or late nights socializing. By staying
away from doubtful matters, avoiding justifications for the temptations of your Nafs, and by
accepting the guidelines of the Quran and Sunnah, be confident that you are doing the right
thing.
InshaAllah Barakah and Rahmah will fill your heart, your home and the lives of everyone in
it.
Some handy decorating tips you can start on today:
Think outside the frame. There are so many other things you can adorn walls with.
Consider mounting a collection of decorative plates in your kitchen or beautiful rug in
the foyer.
Go 3-D. You can use shadow boxes to preserve special objects-your sons first pair of
shoes or your daughters graduation cap.
Dont underestimate the power of green. Adding a real or artificial plant or floral
arrangement livens up any space.
Dabble in paint. There is no easier or relatively less expensive way to brightening up a
white wall. Experiment with solids, stripes, borders, stencils or a faux finish like
sponging. And for a drastic look, dont forget the 5th wall the ceiling!
No cost decorating. Re-arrange furniture for a fresh look. Press flowers from your
own garden, mat and frame them and you have a unique piece of art.
Reuse what you can. Turn old curtains into toss pillows.
Choose multipurpose pieces. For instance, a decorative trunk in your family room can
serve as the coffee table as well as storage for board games.
Pick up decorating magazines for inspiration. Despite the unavailability of some of the
project material, know that any idea you like can easily be adapted for a fraction of
the cost in Pakistan.