48/113. Chapter:
Sunan an-Nasai 5360 — Image Makers and the Day of Resurrection
What the Image-Makers Will be Commanded to Do on the Day of Resurrection
Hadith About Image Makers and the Day of Resurrection
Sunan an-Nasai : 5360
Sunan an-NasaiHadith Number 5360
أَخْبَرَنَا عَمْرُو بْنُ عَلِيٍّ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا عَفَّانُ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا هَمَّامٌ، عَنْ قَتَادَةَ، عَنْ عِكْرِمَةَ، عَنْ أَبِي هُرَيْرَةَ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم " مَنْ صَوَّرَ صُورَةً كُلِّفَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ أَنْ يَنْفُخَ فِيهَا الرُّوحَ وَلَيْسَ بِنَافِخٍ " .
Abu Hurairah Narrated from:
The Messenger of Allah [SAW] said: 'Whoever makes an image will be commanded on the Day of Resurrection to breathe the soul into it but he will not be able to do so.'
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 5360In-book reference : Book 48, Hadith 321English translation : Vol. 6, Book 48, Hadith 5362
Summary of Sunan an-Nasai Hadith 5360
This hadith about image makers gives a strong warning in very plain words. Abu Hurairah narrated that the Messenger of Allah said that whoever makes an image will be ordered on the Day of Resurrection to breathe a soul into it. The hadith then says that he will not be able to do so. The core message is about the limit of human making. A person may shape an image, but giving life and soul is not in human power. The hadith points the heart back to Allah as the true Creator. It also makes the matter serious by linking the act with accountability on the Day of Resurrection.
What we learn from this hadith
- Making an image is described here as a matter connected to accountability in the Hereafter.
- The hadith shows that giving life and soul is beyond human ability.
- A believer should treat warnings about images with care and respect.
- The Day of Resurrection is a time when deeds will be answered for.
