“Before the Hour comes, there will be years of deception…”
— Prophet Muhammad ﷺ (Musnad Ahmad)
Introduction:
We are living in an era where deception wears the mask of beauty, and spiritual danger is often wrapped in cuteness. One such alarming example is the rise of Labubu dolls—grotesque figures with wide teeth, demonic eyes, and eerie expressions, yet widely called “adorable.” What appears to be an innocent toy trend is, in truth, a sign of a disturbing cultural shift—one that blurs the line between good and evil, truth and falsehood. As Muslims, we are warned to stay vigilant of such deception, especially the subtle kind that infiltrates our homes and hearts. This blog uncovers the symbolism behind the Labubu trend, explores its connection with Dajjal’s fitnah, and shares the Islamic rulings and guidance to help you protect your children and preserve your home’s spiritual peace.
1. Labubu & the Rise of Dajjal Culture: When Creepiness Becomes “Cute”
In today’s world, what was once considered disturbing is now labeled as adorable. The new viral trend of Labubu dolls—toys with big teeth, creepy grins, and demonic eyes—is proof of this cultural shift.
But the real question is:
Why are we normalizing the abnormal?
These dolls, promoted as collectible “cute monsters,” echo a dangerous reality: the fitnah (trial) that desensitizes us to the strange, the ugly, and the spiritually harmful. This is not just about one toy; it’s a cultural movement.
2. The Trend: Why People Are Obsessed with Labubu
Labubu dolls are a part of the POP MART collectibles, rising in popularity on social media. Despite their grotesque appearance, people are calling them “adorable.”
Ask yourself:
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Why are scary things now considered sweet?
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Why do devilish smiles not bother us anymore?
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Is it harmless, or are we being spiritually numbed?
This reflects a gradual acceptance of Dajjal-like deception—where falsehood appears as truth and darkness pretends to be light.
3. Symbolism Behind Labubu: A Warning Sign
Labubu represents more than a toy:
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Promotes distorted beauty
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Blurs the line between good and evil
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Encourages human-animal hybrids
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Desensitizes us to abnormality
This mirrors Dajjal’s deception—where things aren’t what they seem.
“One of the signs of the Hour is that people will accept falsehood as truth.”
(Sahih Muslim)
4. Dajjal’s Strategy: Normalization & Desensitization
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned:
“There is no tribulation from the creation of Adam until the coming of the Hour greater than the trial of the Dajjal…”
(Sahih Muslim)
Dajjal won’t appear suddenly. The world will be slowly prepared—through media, trends, and desensitization. These “cute horrors” are just stepping stones.
5. Islamic Ruling on Dolls: What Scholars Say
❌ Dolls that Resemble Humans or Demons:
The Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta’ ruled:
❝All images of things that have souls are unlawful… unless crudely made or for children’s education.❞
[Vol. 26: pg. 295 – Ibn Baaz, Ibn Ghudayyan, Afify]
Shaykh Ibn ‘Uthaymeen (رحمه الله) added:
❝If the doll lacks detailed features like eyes and nose, it’s permissible.❞
[Majmoo’ Fataawa, Q. 330]
6. Dolls in the Time of the Prophet ﷺ
Narrated Aisha (رضي الله عنها):
“I used to play with dolls in the presence of the Prophet ﷺ…”
(Sahih al-Bukhari 6130)
🔹 This was only allowed because she was not yet mature.
🔹 Adult Muslims are expected to avoid lifelike or spiritually harmful images.
7. Quranic Guidance: Protecting Our Homes & Hearts
وَاللَّهُ يُرِيدُ أَن يَتُوبَ عَلَيْكُمْ ۚ وَيُرِيدُ ٱلَّذِينَ يَتَّبِعُونَ ٱلشَّهَوَٰتِ أَن تَمِيلُوا۟ مَيْلًۭا عَظِيمًۭا
“Allah wishes to turn to you [in mercy], but those who follow their lusts wish that you would deviate greatly.”
(Surah An-Nisa 4:27)
This culture of glorifying strange desires is one of the tools Dajjal’s followers will use.
8. Protecting Our Ruhaniyat (Spiritual Peace)
Islam emphasizes purity of the heart and home:
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Angels don’t enter homes with distorted images
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Such items impact our ruh (soul) and iman (faith)
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Children raised around such things may grow up emotionally or spiritually distant
9. What Parents Should Do Instead
✅ Choose innocent, simple toys that reflect:
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Love
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Kindness
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Imagination rooted in truth
✅ Avoid
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Dolls with exaggerated or demonic features
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Collectibles rooted in dark symbolism
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Blind following of trends
✅ Do
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Create homes filled with Qur’an, not creepy collectibles
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Let your child’s heart attach to Allah, not artificial cuteness
🌙 Qur’an & Hadith References Summary
Reference Type | Arabic Text | Translation |
---|---|---|
Hadith (Muslim) | إِنَّهُ لَا فِتْنَةَ أَعْظَمُ مِنَ الدَّجَّالِ | “There is no greater tribulation than that of Dajjal.” |
Qur’an (4:27) | وَاللَّهُ يُرِيدُ أَن يَتُوبَ عَلَيْكُمْ… | “Allah wishes to turn to you [in mercy], but those who follow desires want you to deviate…” |
Sahih Bukhari 6130 | كنت ألعب بالبنات عند النبي ﷺ | “I used to play with dolls in the presence of the Prophet…” |
❓ Questions & Answers Section
Q1: Are Labubu dolls haram?
A: If they have lifelike, distorted, or demonic features, yes—Islamic scholars discourage or prohibit such toys.
Q2: Why do people like creepy-looking toys?
A: It’s part of modern desensitization, making scary things seem normal. It prepares people subconsciously to accept falsehood.
Q3: Is it wrong to keep these dolls for decoration?
A: Yes. Dolls with faces or exaggerated features may prevent angels from entering your home and harm spiritual peace.
Q4: What toys are okay in Islam?
A: Toys with no souls (cars, trees, blocks), and cloth dolls with no clear features, are permissible.
Q5: Can I give these dolls away instead of throwing them?
A: No. Giving spiritually harmful items to others is not advised. Dispose of them respectfully if you no longer want them.
📿 Final Thoughts: Raise Light, Not Darkness
The rise of Labubu dolls and similar trends is more than just a fleeting craze—it’s a reflection of a dangerous shift in values and perception. As Muslims, we are not only responsible for guarding our own hearts but also for preserving the innocence and purity of our children. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ warned us of the fitan (trials) that would spread before the coming of Dajjal, and today, we see glimpses of those trials even in things as small as toys. Let us not ignore the spiritual consequences of what we allow into our homes. Choose light over darkness, purity over distortion, and truth over deception. May Allah ﷻ protect our hearts, homes, and future generations from the traps of Shaytaan and the deception of Dajjal. Ameen.
“O Allah! Do not make our hearts deviate after You have guided us, and grant us mercy from Yourself…”
(Surah Aal-Imran 3:8)
Muslim parents, it’s your Amanah (trust) to guard your children’s fitrah (pure nature). What may seem innocent can carry a heavy spiritual price.
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Be mindful.
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Educate your family.
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Choose noor over noise.
“O you who believe! Save yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is men and stones…”
(Surah At-Tahrim 66:6)