Is it permissible to use a horse figurine sold in stores as a toy for children at home?

The Sharia has forbidden the drawing and carving of animate beings, considering it among the major sins, yet it has made an exception for children's toys due to the benefit derived therefrom.

Most scholars have excluded girls' dolls from the prohibition of تصویر (image-making) and statue-making, and this is the view of the Malikis, Shafi'is, and Hanbalis.

They based their reasoning on the Hadith of Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, who said that she used to play with dolls (toys) in the presence of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and he would send her friends to play with her. Also, her Hadith about her toy horse which had two wings, at which the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, smiled.

The majority of scholars justified this exception by the need to train children in raising children and the comfort that brings joy to their hearts, which promotes their health and skills.

Therefore, there is no harm in buying a horse figurine or other children's toys. However, it is preferable to avoid meticulously crafted figurines that closely resemble reality.