Fatwaa ID: 660

Question:
Assalamualaikum Mufti,

I am writing to inquire about the permissibility of having dolls and Barbie’s in our home.

Our children received some dolls and Barbie’s as gifts, and
we are unsure if they are considered haram.

If they are indeed haram, we would like to know what steps we should take.

Is it permissible to keep the dolls that we already have in our home, since we did not know they were haram at the time of receiving them? Or should we dispose of them, even though it would be wasteful? Alternatively, can we donate them to others who may not have knowledge of their haram status?

We would greatly appreciate any guidance and advice you can provide on this matter. Thank you for your time and consideration.

Answer:
In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salaamu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullaahi wa-barakaatuh.

Before answering your query, we wish to point out a few fundamental and general points based on some of the details of your query.

-Ignorance is not bliss nor an excuse.
-Your past wrongs or ignorance do not excuse you to continue on with a wrong.
-The prohibition of wasting cannot be used to justify wrong or haraam.
-If something is haraam for you to do, then it is also haraam for you to assist or facilitate for others to do that.
-If something is haraam for you to use, it is also haraam for others to use, even if they are ignorant regarding it. You cannot give it to them. You will be sinful just like them.

Nevertheless, Barbies and similar dolls are impermissible according to the preponderant position. They prevent the angels of mercy from entering the house as well. If you wish to keep them, you should cover or obliterate the faces of the dolls.

And Allaah Ta’aala knows best.
Mufti Muajul I. Chowdhury
Darul Iftaa New York
https://askthemufti.us/

وصل اللهم وسلم وبارك على سيدنا محمد وعلى ءاله وصحبه أجمعين

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