[Q 446] Pictures on Bed Sheets or Duvets, Ruling on Images on Bedding, Use of Sheets with Animal/Human Faces

QUESTION:

Dear Mufti sahib is this picture allowed on a BED SHEET/DUVET?
Please guide us on this issue.

ANSWER:

A picture of a living being in which the face is visible and which is large enough that if placed on the ground and viewed while standing, its facial features are clear—such a picture may not be placed in a position of respect or reverence.

However, if the picture is in a place of disrespect, such as on the ground where people walk over it, or on bedding where one sits or lies upon it, then having such a picture there is not prohibited, since it is not a position of respect. Therefore, a bedsheet with such a picture is permissible, as it is used for sitting or lying on, not for reverence. Still, it is better to use bedsheets without pictures.

It is stated in Hidayah:

“ولو كانت الصورة على وسادة ملقاة أو على بساط مفروش لا يكره لأنها تداس وتوطأ بخلاف ما إذا كانت الوسادة منصوبة أو كانت على السترة لأنه تعظيم لها”
(Hidayah, Vol. 1, p. 65, Dar Ihya al-Turath al-Arabi)

A‘la Hazrat Imam Ahmad Raza Khan رحمہ الله تعالی states:
“A picture of a living being in which its face is present, and so large that when placed on the ground and seen while standing, its body details are clear—such a picture on any cloth, whether wearing it, dressing someone with it, selling it, or giving it in charity—all is impermissible.”

(Fatawa Ridawiyyah, Vol. 24, p. 567, Raza Foundation, Lahore)

In another place he writes:
“Disrespecting a picture, such as placing it on the floor or carpet to be walked upon, is permissible and does not prevent the angels from entering, although making or commissioning such pictures remains Haram.”

(Fatawa Ridawiyyah, Vol. 24, p. 640, Raza Foundation, Lahore)

Answered by: Mubashir Attari (AskMufti Scholar)
Verified by: Mufti Sajid Attari
Translated answer
Date: 6th September 2025