The ruling of various types of dolls

The ruling of various types of dolls Q. There are many different types of dolls, some are made of cotton and are merely a sack with different sections as a head, two arms and two feet. Whilst some accurately resemble a human and others speak, cry or walk. What is the ruling of making or buying such types of dolls for small girls designed for their education and amusement?

A. As for the inaccurately detailed doll, such that it consists of some limbs, a head and does not show any close resemblance to a human, there is no doubt as to its permissibility. It is the type of dolls that ‘Aaisha (ra) used to play with. Whereas if it is complete in it’s resemblance to a human, as if you were looking at one, especially if it moves or speaks, then I have a doubt about its permissibility because it totally emulates that created by Allaah. It is apparent that the dolls that ‘Aaisha (ra) used to play with were different to this, therefore to avoid it is more worthy, but I do not affirm that it is forbidden. Bearing in mind that it is permitted for children in such matters that are not permitted for adults. For it is created within the nature of children to like playing and amusement and they are not responsible for any type of worship, so that we could have possible argued that their time is wasted in such playing and amusement. If a person wants to be safe in such matters, let him cut the dolls head off or heat it up over fire until it becomes soft and then press away its features.

Sheikh Ibn Uthaimeen [Majmu’ Fataawa wa Rasaa’il ash­Sheikh: 3/155]