Watch-out Barbie here comes Bibi First published: 29 Oct 2004 Shelina Begum
SHE'S smart, she's professional - and she won't leave young Asian girls with warped expectations about their appearance - she's the Muslim 'Barbie', this Eid's top seller in the north west. For many Muslim parents the doll - already nicknamed Bibi after Barbie - is becoming an antidote to mainstream doll culture that spotlights blonde hair, make-up and revealing Western fashions. According to one Manchester retailer it is already this Eid's must-have toy for girls. Atif Darr of Rolex Books on Wilmslow Road, Rusholme said: "We're selling scores of dolls in the run up to Eid and it is mainly being bought by parents for their little girls. "The latest model is a talking doll for toddlers. She repeats 11 Islamic phrases including bismillah and assalamu alaykum. "The doll has become popular very quick because she provides a great alternative for Muslim parents who do not want to buy the normal Barbie dolls. It’s a great present for any Muslim girl."
'Bibi' is the creation of Noor and Ammar Saadeh and is a direct response to what Noor terms the "overly sophisticated and skimpily dressed Barbie doll." She comes in many guises reflecting the "diverse roles of modern Muslim women." The doll wears the latest Asian trends at home but at a moments notice can change into a more modest traditional jilbaab coat for 'going out'. Next year will see the arrival of a young professional range including doctor and teacher dolls. Said Noor: "They are tools to show not only how important education and religious piety are within Islamic society but, to also shatter stereotypes. Muslim women can have careers too." Bolton Council of Mosques member, Shazida Hussain said she would happily buy the doll for her four daughters. She said: "I have always felt Barbie and the Bratz gave the wrong image to Muslim girls. "With low cut tops, short dresses, I thought twice about buying Barbies for my girls. "But this doll gives a positive image, she can wear trendy clothes at home but dress in the hijab when leaving the house. And the fact that she works is even better. "I know what I’ll be getting my daughters this Eid."