Praying In A Room With Pictures and Idols

To perform Solat in a room of pictures and idols is Makruh (reprehensible). A person should seek alternatives. If there is no alternative, the idols and pictures should be covered, as a last resort.

Closing One's Eyes In Solat ?

It is Makruh (reprehensible) to close the eyes during Solat.

However, one is excused when there absolutely no way a person may obtain concentration whilst having his eyes open. Still - one must understand that continuous practice of this may deprive a person of the great blessings and Nur of praying the way the Prophet Muhammad SAW prayed.

If someone finds it difficult to concentrate in Solat without closing the eyes, one may semi-close the eyes for a start.

The way of the Prophet Muhammad SAW was that he would focus his eyes at the place of sajadah during solat whilst in the standing position. We must try our best to conform as only in his (SAW) way is success in this world and the Hereafter.

Wearing Short Sleeves In Ibadah

As a matter of ruling it is permissible for anyone to wear short sleeves or to have no shirt at all (whilst just covering the izar i.e. from above the navel to below the knee).

However to present oneself in front of Allah with short-sleeves is disrespectful and discouraged especially in Solat and when reading the Qur'an.

When one has the opportunity and means to wear better clothes, one should take the time to put them on. The Prophet Muhammad SAW's sleeves were up to the wrist and his clothes were loose and covered down approximately to half way between the knees and the ankles.