Move Over Barbie, Islamic Dolls are more moral!
By Tasnim Jadwat Casoojee
The difference between East and West has remained even in today’s times where there exists a cultural fusion. In recent reports religious police in many Muslim countries have banned the ever popular Barbie doll, declaring it offensive in terms of its revealing clothes and lack of Morality.
Egyptian based website (IslamOnline.net) reports the popularity of worldwide Islamic doll although not the first doll. Fulla, described as the dark-eyed brunette doll with a hijab and a prayer mat, the website concludes that the Islamic doll has replaced the popular Barbie doll throughout the Middle East. Fulla brand manager Fawaz Abidin says its product success lies in the company’s understanding of the Arab market.
“This isn’t just about putting the hijab on a Barbie doll. You have to create a character that parents and children will want to relate to,” says Abidin.
Abidin also adds, “Our advertising is full of positive messages about Fulla’s character. She’s honest, loving and caring, and she respects her father and mother.”
Fulla’s only counterparts will be a Dr. Fulla and Fulla as a teacher, unlike Barbie doll who has her boyfriend Ken and various friends. Abidin says “These are two respected careers for women that we would like to encourage small girls to follow.”
The amount of women who don the hijab has increased drastically over the past few years. Fulla dolls serve as perfect examples to younger girls who are submerged in pro-western style dressing. Fulla simply shows girls that the hijab is a normal part of a muslim woman’s life.
The Fulla Company has also introduced breakfast cereals, chewing gum and bicycles. The doll costs around R150-00, much more reasonable than the original Barbie Doll and with a difference, Islamonline.net also reports a Moroccan Barbie also exists while Iran created Sara, a veiled doll. In Britain and American, a doll called Razanne exists in Muslim homes.
South Africa has its own version of Fulla or the Islamic Doll. Meet Ayesha Desai, a 34 year old single woman living with her father in their humble abode in Umzinto, KwaZulu Natal. Ayesha’s life hasn’t been ordinary but then again neither are the dolls she makes for little girls. Suffering from serious health problems, Ayesha has only her left hand to assist her in her everyday chores. But that doesn’t prevent this sparkling eyed, inspirational woman from living her life to the maxim.
Whilst Islam forbids objects with eyes in the home, Ayesha’s ingenious alternative provides little Muslim girls with individually handcrafted dolls. Ayesha creates dolls using scraps of fabric and stuffing, which costs her a minimal. The dolls are as unique and warm as Ayesha’s exuberant personality, only they lack facial features. According to Ayesha, her dolls have been sent as gifts to people living abroad. When asked about her inspiration for producing her dolls she humbly adds that a friend of hers encouraged her to start selling her dolls rather than just giving them away. Ayesha also believes her hobby has become profitable but adds that she enjoys making the dolls even though she has many other household responsibilities.
Parents all over the world feel it their responsibility and Islamic obligation to provide their kids with alternatives. Thanks to inspirational people such as Ayesha Desai, South African Muslim families have their own version of the Islamic doll, steadfast in their belief that objects such as dolls and teddy bears, which imitate life forms, keep away the Angels. With the wide variety of Islamic dolls to choose from, Islamic values have never been easier to teach the Muslim youth, even today with the constant bombardment of western influence.
