The following is a brief discussion about pictures on passports, money, school books etc. and how this may or may not affect the angels of mercy from entering one’s house. this answer was given by maulana a.s. desai. h.a.

As far as passport, identity document and other similar necessary documents are concerned, it will not be sinful to have one’s photo taken for these purposes since one has no choice. With regard to the Angels of Rahmat entering houses in which the pictures are concealed, we cannot say with certitude if they will enter homes where the pictures are hidden, not displayed. The malaaikah have a natural aversion for pictures of animate objects, just as we have a natural aversion for a bad odor. If a cat excretes in a hidden corner under the bed where no one can see the mess, the inmates of the house will soon perceive the terrible stench, search for it and clean up the place. In spite of it having been hidden from our sight, our sense of smell detected its presence. The malaaikah walk through solid objects like walls. Physical and solid objects are not a barrier for them. Covering up pictures, does hide them from our sight, not from the malaaikah. It is therefore, our opinion that even if we conceal pictures and even if the books in which the pictures are, are closed, these can prevent entry in to the home of the malaaikah of rahmat. My practice when reading such books is to affix a sticker over the whole head as I go along reading.

The only consolation we can think of is that Allah Ta’ala is Merciful. He will not deprive us of the companionship of the Angels of Mercy because of something which is beyond our control. Passport pictures and the like are beyond our control. Ugly pictures of fussaaq and kuffaar human faces are on all the paper money in our pockets. But we have no alternative other than to carry such evil pictures with us. We therefore hope that Allah Ta’ala Who is the Creator of the Malaaikah will create a method which will make it impossible for the Angels to detect the photos which we hide and which we detest. We believe that as long as we abhor these pictures and exercise care and display our aversion, Allah Ta’ala will not deprive us of the barakat of the Malaaikah of Rahmat.

It has become the practice of this sinful bandah when counting money, never to keep the picture on top or facing me. I turn the notes around if there is a picture only on one side, then count the money so that my soul does not suffer the mental torture of having to stare at something which Allah Ta’ala and His Malaaikah abhor.

Regarding pictures which can be easily destroyed such as the pictures on soap wrappers or on any packets, etc. in which food and other items are enclosed, it is necessary to immediately open up these items and discard the wrappers. A variety of cheap plastic containers and bottles, etc. is available for storing these items.

Regarding the foam mattress with pictures, do understand that your baby is more precious than the bed. It comes in the hadith that shaitaan causes distress to babies. If he happens to be around, he interferes with babies. Therefore, do not take chances with your baby. Covering up the pictures will not suffice. Remove the cover and sew a clean one on to it. This is the safest.

The chemical sulphur and anything having an offensive or pungent odor disturbs and chases away the Angels. I suggest that when lighting a candle, light it in a remote place of the home, outside the bedrooms. Anyhow, the odor of the match will soon disappear. Gas stoves and lighters too pose a problem because even the odor of gas is offensive to Malaaikah. But there is no option. Allah Ta’ala is merciful. Try to avoid such things without imposing too much inconvenience on yourself and your wife. Don’t undertake something which is too difficult to sustain. While pictures are haram, lighting a candle with a match is not haram.