Can I keep teddy bears and stuffed animals as a Muslim?
Yes, for children's toys, according to most scholars. The Prophet's wife Aisha played with dolls in his presence, and he didn't object. For adults keeping stuffed animals as decoration, scholars differ: some allow it, while others prefer toys without detailed faces. You don't need to throw away your child's teddy bear.
Aisha's dolls
Aisha said: "I used to play with the dolls in the presence of the Prophet, and my girl friends also used to play with me" (Sahih al-Bukhari 6130).
In another narration, the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ saw her toys, including a horse with wings. When she said Solomon had horses with wings, he "laughed so heartily that I could see his molar teeth" (Sunan Abi Dawud 4932). He didn't tell her to get rid of them.
Why images are a question at all
The Prophet ﷺ said: "Angels (of Mercy) do not enter a house wherein there is a dog or a picture of a living creature" (Sahih al-Bukhari 3225). Because of hadith like this, scholars discuss which images and figures are allowed in the home.
Most scholars make an exception for children's toys, based on Aisha's dolls. Toys are played with, squeezed and tossed around, not displayed or honored.
What about adults?
- Many scholars say a few plush toys, a childhood teddy or a gift from a loved one are fine, especially if they're not displayed like statues.
- Stricter scholars advise adults to avoid figures with detailed faces and to keep toys for children.
- Everyone agrees that figures used for worship, luck or superstition aren't allowed.
If you're unsure, a simple middle path is to keep sentimental toys in a closet or bedroom chest rather than on display where you pray.
Practical tips for converts
You don't need to clear out your home after your shahada. Focus on the basics first. If you have religious figurines, like statues of saints, those are a clearer case to remove. See Can I keep a cross necklace from my grandma?
For a related question about photos, see Is it haram to take selfies?
- Children's toys and dolls are allowed by most scholars.
- Aisha played with dolls, including a winged horse.
- Scholars differ on adults keeping plush toys.
- Figures used for worship or luck are not allowed.
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