Q. I love my children a lot; I have pictures of them in our home to show my love for them. My mother, who for your information, is the children’s grandmother, got a religious fever and wants me to take the pictures off the wall citing its haram-ness (impermissibility)….

A. The opinion on picture taking is mixed. It all depends on the size of the the picture, is the picture printed out on a paper like substance, or is the picture on a digital screen which is comprised of pixels and the pixels put together give off a wanted image.

Then, there are those who say that a picture is a picture – paper or digital must both be abandoned. Regardless, it all depends on how much you love Hadith and Rasulullah (SAW). For the Hadith below makes clear, it is best to abstain from taking pictures of animate objects. Humans being visually oriented creatures, pictorial depictions function as an unwanted distraction. Pictures also eliminate the entrance of merciful angels into places of respect, i.e. home, business, etc.

Sayyidina ‘Aysha (RA) narrates:

I purchased a cushion with pictures on it. Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) (came and) stood at the door but did not enter (the room). I (radiAllahu anha) said (to Rasulullah Sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam), “I repent to Allah for what I have done.” Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “What is this cushion?” I (radiAllahu anha) said, “It is for you to sit on and recline on.” Rasulullah (Sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said, “The makers of these pictures will be punished on the Day of Resurrection and it will be said to them, ‘Make alive what you have created.’ Moreover, the angels do not enter a house where there are pictures.’”

Bukhari: Volume 7, Book 72, Number 840

In your case, we are also forced to mention, the Quran states:

And your Rab has commanded that you shall not serve (any) but Him, and goodness to your parents. If either or both of them reach old age with you, say not to them (so much as) “Ugh, uff” nor chide them, and speak to them a generous word. 17:23

We say, if it would make your mother happy to take down the pictures, more-so when proof does come to her aid, then why not make her happy and do as she has requested?
{Yes, when your mother is wrong on an issue, than we advise you to listen to Allah and Rasulullah (SAW)}. In this case, find a polite way to replace the pictures with scenes of nature which remain non-animate. Pick these scenes with your children, so they don’t claim neglect and lack of love later on in life. This way you have pictures, (non-animate) but you have them in a manner that does not create a fuss, whilst yet being totally shariat compliant. Is this too much to ask my Brother?!

Allah certainly knows best.