Toys and dolls have always been part of childhood. However, Islam places clear guidelines on what is spiritually appropriate to bring into our homes — especially when it comes to imagery that resembles humans, animals, or supernatural beings.

One toy that has recently sparked concern is the Labubu doll, a mischievous elf-like creature with sharp teeth, exaggerated features, and demonic eyes — yet paradoxically described as “cute” by many.

Created in 2015 by Hong Kong artist Kasing Lung and drawing inspiration from Nordic and Irish mythologies—especially the Púca, a shapeshifting trickster—Labubu has emerged as a cultural phenomenon that embraces the unusual and intertwines good with evil.

However, is it permissible (halal) for Muslims to own or engage with such a toy?

Is the Labubu Doll Haram?

Yes — due to its disturbing features, mythological roots, and spiritual harm, Labubu is haram or at least strongly discouraged in Islam.

Yes, the Labubu doll is haram or at the very least strongly discouraged in Islam due to its disturbing, lifelike features, connection to mythological spirits, and the harmful cultural shift it represents — one that promotes distorted beauty and desensitization to evil.

The Prophet Muhammad PBUH taught us that imagery resembling living beings — especially those with exaggerated or grotesque features — can prevent angels from entering the home and negatively affect our spiritual state.

He PBUH also warned us about the deceptive strategies of the Dajjal, which include making evil appear beautiful and normalizing what is spiritually harmful.

This is closely related to the tactics of Dajjal’s deception — where malevolence is made appealing and reality is twisted.

Evidence

Qur’anic Protection From Evil “Say: I seek refuge with the Lord of the dawn, from the mischief of created things, from the mischief of darkness as it overspreads, from the mischief of those who practice secret arts, and from the mischief of the envious one as he practices envy.” (Surah Al-Falaq, 113:1–5)
“And say, “My Lord, I seek refuge in You from the incitements of the devils, And I seek refuge in You, my Lord, lest they be present with me.” (Quran 23:97)
Hadith: The Prophet PBUH said: “The angels do not enter a house in which there is a dog or images (tasawir).” (Sahih al-Bukhari 3225, Sahih Muslim 2106)
Shaykh Ibn Baz (رحمه الله): “Anything that has a soul and is portrayed in image or doll form is discouraged unless it is used for educational purposes and lacks detailed features. Otherwise, it falls under the prohibition.” (Majmu’ Fatawa Ibn Baz)
Dajjal’s Fitnah: The Prophet ﷺ said: “There will be no tribulation on earth greater than the Dajjal…” (Sahih Muslim 2937)

Bottom Line

Yes, the Labubu doll is haram or at least strongly discouraged in Islam. While it may seem like just a harmless toy, its disturbing features, connection to mythical creatures, and contribution to a growing culture of distortion contradict Islamic teachings of purity, innocence, and spiritual protection.

Muslims are advised to avoid bringing such dolls into their homes. Instead, we should provide our children with toys that promote natural beauty, goodness, and values rooted in the Qur’an and Sunnah.

Let us strive to fill our homes with noor (light) rather than noise — and raise our children to love truth over trend.

And Allah knows best.