Why are muslim rulers pictures kept if pictures are haram?

Whether something is permissible or forbidden is not determined by how many people are doing it. If something is Islamically forbidden, the fact that people commonly do it does not make it permissible.

For example, alcohol is forbidden, yet many people throughout the world drink alcohol. Does their drinking make alcohol permissible? Certainly not.

Likewise, gambling is forbidden, yet many people around the world engage in gambling. Does the fact that people gamble make gambling permissible? Certainly not.

Similarly, if the prohibition of a particular picture or video is established in Islamic law, then saying, “The picture of such-and-such a Muslim ruler is kept in people’s homes, displayed in government places, or posted by many people on social media” cannot be considered evidence that it is permissible.

We are Muslims, so our standard is not what people around the world are doing. Rather, our standard is what Allah Almighty and the Messenger of Allah ﷺ have commanded in Islamic law.

If simply doing something because other people do it were evidence of its permissibility, then almost every forbidden act in the world would have to be considered permissible, because there are people everywhere who engage in one forbidden practice or another.

Therefore, saying, “People are doing it” is not a valid Islamic proof. A Muslim should take the guidance of the Qur’an, Sunnah, and Islamic law as the standard for their actions, rather than the customs and practices of society.

And Allah knows best.