Q:

Asalam,

is there a reason it’s okay for kids to keep stuffed animals  and not young adults? besides them being innocent and playing with toys is for them. I wanted to ask is there specific evidence speaking about the one who keeps them for the harmless intention for the sake of memories, playfulness , as a gift?

If something is haram  shouldn’t it be restricted for everyone including kids because that child will grow up to be an adult thinking it’s okay to have stuffed animal and stay attached  because it was with them for so long or given to them by their parents and when they are  told to get rid of it,it’s alittle hard. Some adults feel young inside or miss being a kid and they like to enjoy childish things because they  are innocent and fun activities , but they are all judged to have to fit the stereotype of “serious and grown up” and if a person isn’t like that all the time they are Labeled as “mental illness” or being strange all because someone feels young inside despite their age sometimes.

If one is not worshipping them (like the old days with idols) is there any haram in Keeping them in the closet so angels enter the room? I know the punishment for picture makers, people who do shirk with objects etc

for the above case  will the young adult keeping them be earning a major or minor sin or it’s just an act that is disliked.

A:

Wa `alaykum As-Salamu waRahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.

Most of the scholars have exempted kids’ toys from the prohibition of statues. This is the view of the Malikis, Shafa’is and Hanbalis. They based their view on the report of Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) in which she said, “I used to play with dolls in the house of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). I had friends who used to play with me. When the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) came in, they would hide themselves, then he would call them to join me and play with me.”

According to another report, she said that the Messenger (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) came back from the battle of Tabook or Khaybar, and there was a curtain in her alcove. The wind blew and lifted the curtain, showing some dolls with which Aishah was playing. He said, “What is this, O Aishah?” She said, “My daughters.” Among them he saw a mare with wings made of leather.” He said, ‘And what is this that I see in the midst of them?” She said, “A mare.” He said, “What is this on it?” She said, “Wings.” He said, “A mare with wings?” She said, “Have you not heard that Sulayman had a horse with wings?” She said, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) smiled so broadly that I could see his eyeteeth.

Almighty Allah Knows best.