48/113. Chapter:
Sunan an-Nasai 5361 — Image Makers Told to Give Life
What the Image-Makers Will be Commanded to Do on the Day of Resurrection
Hadith About Image Makers Being Told to Breathe Life
Sunan an-Nasai : 5361
Sunan an-NasaiHadith Number 5361
أَخْبَرَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ، قَالَ حَدَّثَنَا حَمَّادٌ، عَنْ أَيُّوبَ، عَنْ نَافِعٍ، عَنِ ابْنِ عُمَرَ، أَنَّ النَّبِيَّ صلى الله عليه وسلم قَالَ " إِنَّ أَصْحَابَ هَذِهِ الصُّوَرِ الَّذِينَ يَصْنَعُونَهَا يُعَذَّبُونَ يَوْمَ الْقِيَامَةِ يُقَالُ لَهُمْ أَحْيُوا مَا خَلَقْتُمْ " .
Ibn 'Umar Narrated from:
The Prophet [SAW] said: "The makers of these images will be punished on the Day of Resurrection, and it will be said to them: 'Breathe life into that which you have created.'"
Reference : Sunan an-Nasa'i 5361In-book reference : Book 48, Hadith 322English translation : Vol. 6, Book 48, Hadith 5363
Summary of Sunan an-Nasai Hadith 5361
This hadith about image makers focuses on the words that will be said to them on the Day of Resurrection: breathe life into that which you have created. Ibn Umar narrated that the Prophet said the makers of these images will be punished, and the command will be given to bring life to what they made. The lesson is not that human beings truly create life. Rather, the hadith shows the weakness of human work when compared with Allah’s creation. A person can make a form, but cannot place life into it. This short hadith carries a serious reminder that actions done in this world are not small when Allah has warned about them.
What we learn from this hadith
- Image making is linked in the text to punishment on the Day of Resurrection.
- The command to give life shows the maker’s inability before Allah.
- The hadith teaches humility about human skill and creative work.
- A believer should not treat this warning lightly.
