Can I keep an angel figurine at home?

What the hadith says

The Prophet ﷺ said that angels (of mercy) do not enter a house in which there is a dog or a picture of a living creature (Sahih al-Bukhari 3225). Because of this and other narrations, most scholars hold that keeping statues and figurines of living beings in the home is not allowed, especially those that are ornamental or could be revered.

Why angels especially

Angels are real in Islam, but nobody has the right to claim what they look like. Some people give angels human or winged form in art. Islam teaches that angels are made of light and can take many forms by Allah's leave, and we do not make an image of what we have not seen. Statues also have a historical link to worship, which Islam closes the door against. See What do angels look like in Islam?

Statues, drawings and dolls

Scholars differ on different kinds of images:

• Statues and sculptures of living beings: not allowed for display, by most scholars.
• Flat pictures and drawings: scholars differ. Some are strict; others allow images that are not honoured or hung up for glorification.
• Children's dolls: allowed. Aisha said she used to play with dolls in the presence of the Prophet ﷺ (Sahih al-Bukhari 6130).
• Non-living shapes like flowers, trees, calligraphy and geometric patterns: fine.

If you are unsure about a particular item, ask a trusted imam.

What to do with one you own or receive

• If you already have one, you can remove it from view, give it away, or alter it so it is not a recognisable figure.
• If someone gives you one as a gift, accept the kindness, and then quietly set it aside or pass it to someone else.
• If you are replacing decor, choose plants, calligraphy or nature photography.

For souvenirs and gifts, see Can Muslims buy souvenirs like statues or crosses? and Why do mosques have no pictures?