RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA—The prominent Saudi cleric, Abdullah Al-Shihiri, has issued a fatwa, or religious edict, governing Mattel’s recently released “Muslim Barbie” that restricts the popular children’s doll to the backseat of her Glam Convertible or any other Barbie-themed vehicles.
“So-called ‘Muslim Barbie’—with attractive pink burka and matching Koran accessories—is still subject to Sharia law, and, as such, is forbidden from driving the Glam Convertible or Beach Cruiser, dancing with other dolls in the Barbie Dream Townhouse, or being seen with Ken in a public place without a chaperon,” declared Al-Shihiri. “Also, she must walk at least five steps behind Ken if they are going out to the Barbie Puppy Water Park or the Barbie Princess Salon.”
"Moreover, little brothers are allowed to pull off her head, as long as it is properly covered,” Al-Shihiri added, “or stone her to death if she is found with a doll other than Ken.”
The new Muslim version of the enormously popular doll is also causing controversy in the United States. One prominent anti-Muslim evangelical Christian activist, David Caton, pointed to Muslim Barbie, along with the new reality television series “American Muslim”, as examples of the creeping danger of Sharia law being imposed on Western society.
“Although we certainly agree with Muslim Barbie’s modest dress, profound sexual repression, and subservience to men, we cannot allow Islam to invade the bedrooms of our daughters, a right reserved for Jesus and their fathers. What’s next, Osama bin Laden G.I. Joes?” asked Caton.
Both Al-Shihiri and Caton did agree, however, that if Ken and Barbie were to marry, she would technically become Ken’s property.
Al-Shihiri surprised some by arguing against the practice of ‘female circumcision’ for Muslim Barbie: “Sensible, rational provisions such as not being able to vote or drive a car are one thing, but that’s just barbaric. This is modern Saudi Arabia, after all.”
“Plus,” he added, “everyone knows Barbie doesn’t have real junk down there.”
