Is Making and Selling Dolls and Toys Permissible in Islam?

The Islamic Ruling on Creating Images of Living Beings

Question: Is it permissible to make and sell dolls and toys made of wool and use this as a source of livelihood?

Answer: In Islam, creating images of living beings is prohibited, and there are severe warnings regarding this matter. Here are a few hadiths for admonition and advice:

1. Abdullah ibn Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “Indeed, those who make these images will be punished on the Day of Resurrection. It will be said to them, ‘Bring to life what you have created.'” (Bukhari: 5951)

2. Aisha (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: “The people who will be most severely punished on the Day of Resurrection will be those who compete with Allah’s creation.” (Bukhari: 5954)

Given the severe prohibition, it is not permissible for any Muslim to make, sell, or use such items as a source of livelihood. Such earnings are not halal, and the person will be punished in the Hereafter. Therefore, Muslims should avoid this practice.

 Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi

Jeddah Dawah Center, Al-Salamah District, Saudi Arabia