𝗪𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻'𝘀 𝗕𝗲𝗻𝗲𝗳𝗶𝘁𝘀 (270)
Ruling on Dolls for Young Girls
Question: What is the ruling on selling toys with images, and is it permissible for us to buy them for children since they are not religiously accountable? Can the example of Aishah playing with dolls be used as a justification?
Sheikh Abu ’Amr ’AbdulKareem Al-Hajoori ḥafidhahullāh:
Images are prohibited for sale, purchase, and possession, based on many evidences. Such as the hadith of Jabir found in both Sahih collections, and in another narration by Abu Talha, it is mentioned that "the angels do not enter a house where there is a dog or an image." In fact, there are more than ten evidences in the Sahihs alone that establish the prohibition of images. Indeed, image-making (tasweer) is considered one of the major sins. In a narration from Abu Hurairah in the Sahih collections, the Prophet ﷺ said, "Who is more unjust than the one who tries to create as Allah creates?" This is why scholars address this issue in their books on Tawheed, highlighting its severity, as it is one of the paths that can lead to shirk, Allāh forbid.
Thus, it is not permissible to possess images, bring them into the home, buy, or sell them, whether they are for children or adults, and whether they represent a horse, bird, or any other form. However, if a child makes something for themself, as comes in the hadith of Ar-Rubayyi’ in which they were given toys made of wool, as authenticated in both Sahihs, or in the case of Aishah (may Allāh be pleased with her) who made a toy for herself when she was young. If a child makes something for themself using pieces of clothes and the like, forming a horse, bird, etc., based on the story of Aishah, and since the Prophet ﷺ did not object, then there is no harm. We can reconcile between the evidences and conclude that children made such items for themselves, but were not given or bought them. This conclusion is consistent with the general evidence prohibiting images. If a child makes something himself, like Aisha did, or as some of the young companions did, then there is no objection. What could a young child make anyway? They would produce something [simple and insignificant] that does not contain any prohibition.
However, buying toys that replicate various forms or, perhaps, inappropriate images, or even tempting and distracting images, can lead to wasted money and the child’s neglect. When a child makes something for himself to play with, he will eventually leave it aside and move on to something beneficial, such as memorisation or review. However, with these (extravagantly crafted toys) some continue to play with toys into adulthood, even after marriage. And Allāh’s help is sought.
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