In Islamic culture, toys have been around since the very beginning of Islam. In fact, Muslim societies are where many of the oldest toys that we are aware of originated.
The “Flying Pigeon,” which was created in the ninth century, is among the most well-known examples of Islamic toys. This toy was a little bird-shaped device that whirled in the air while being held by a thread. The bird provided hours of fun as kids tried to catch it as it swooped by.
The “Spinning Top” was yet another well-liked Islamic toy. Intricate patterns and decorations were frequently used to decorate this toy, which was constructed from a variety of materials including clay, metal, and wood. The young ones would spin the top and try to hold it.
Educational Islamic Toys
Islamic culture also created a number of educational toys that were intended to teach kids about science, arithmetic, and other subjects in addition to these traditional toys. For instance, Muslim astronomers and academics frequently employed the “Astrolabe,” a device for measuring the positions of the planets and stars.
Toys were used to amuse and teach youngsters all across the Muslim world and eventually came to be considered a significant aspect of Islamic culture. In marketplaces and toy shops all around the Middle East and North Africa, many classic Islamic toys are still in demand.
What was the prophet Muhammad’s take on toys?
Islamic texts have a few traditions and stories that shed light on the Prophet Muhammad’s opinion towards toys. Here are a few illustrations:
Parents are reportedly advised by the Prophet to play with their kids and buy them toys. Make your children happy with your companionship and play with them using whatever (toys) Allah has granted you, the Prophet’s companion Abu Huraira narrated. (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
Additionally, it is said that the Prophet made children happy by playing with them. For instance, it is related that the Prophet would carry a young child named Umamah as she played with toys when he went to see her. (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
It’s also mentioned that the Prophet had a toy horse that he used to play with and even let kids ride. One of the Prophet’s wives, Aisha, is quoted as saying, “I used to play with dolls in front of the Prophet, and my friends would also play with me. They would hide the dolls when the Prophet entered the room, but he would summon them to get them, and he would even let me ride on his toy horse. (Sahih Al-Bukhari)
These narrations imply that Prophet Muhammad encouraged youngsters to play and enjoy themselves, and even engaged in play with them. Despite the fact that toys were once thought of as a source of overindulgence.
Originally published at https://iplushu.com on April 5, 2023.
