326. Are idols permitted in Islam ?

In this verse (34:13) of the Quran we find the message about the jinns and shaitans presenting Prophet Sulaiman with art objects including idols.

We cannot treat this as a sanction for us to follow suit and have in our dwellings idols and hang pictures of figures.

As far as idols are concerned Prophet Muhammad strictly forbade them, and treated such an act as grave crime. ( Please refer Hadith Book Bukhari : 2105, 3224, 3225, 3226, 3322, 4002, 5181, 5949, 5957, 5958, 5961, 7557)

Hence this matter should be treated as something permitted to communities of Prophet Sulaiman, and those before Prophet Muhammad. 

Please refer to point no; 277, to know more on whether laws that were imposed on all earlier prophets are applicable to us today.