Question

Are LEGO Minifigures small enough that they are permissible?

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

There are numerous hadith that prohibit pictures and figures that resemble living beings.

For example, in a Hadith recorded by Imam al-Bukhari in his Sahih, the Messenger of Allah (Allah bless him & give him peace) said:

“The most severely punished on the Day of Qiyamah will be those who make (animate) pictures.” (Sahih al-Bukhari).

With that being said, there are some other hadith that mentioned Aisha (r.a) herself had dolls. (Sahih al-Bukhari).

Some of the Ulema have stated that Aisha (RA) doll was not like the ones used today and if they were, they would not be permitted for her to use as well.

Ibn Hajr (RA) said, “If the doll of A’isha (Allah be pleased with her) had clear features, then this was before the prohibition of picture-making, otherwise the doll did have prominent features.” (Fath al-Bari)

Other Ulama have used this hadith as well as the hadith of Bukhari that grants the exemption “except for a small engraving in clothing.” stating that if the object is small and has no significant value nor is being revered in any way then it will not be considered completely haram.

In such a case, it is best to refrain from usage of such toys, but it would be difficult to deem it haram. It is best to consider it disliked and people are encouraged to refrain.

Written by Maulana Nabil Khan

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham