Is a teddy a problem - advice from Muslim mumsnetters please!

[Teddyhelp]

I ordered some flowers for a Muslim colleague who has just had a baby. I saw you could add a lovely stuffed bunny so I added that to the order. A bit later, I suddenly had a thought that this might not be okay so I googled it and it might not. I'm on hold trying to cancel the order but can anyone advise me if this will be completely unacceptable if the order gets delivered??? Causing any offence is the last thing I want to do. Thank you

@OnceuponaRainbow18

Huh why wouldn’t it be ok? And I’m a teacher of RE!

It’s actually quite a prevalent albeit conservative belief, particularly with those who identify as Salafi. I posted some links above.

I have learned about the major religious holidays of leading religions, such as Eid ul-Fitr, as well as Ramadan, Diwali, Holi, as well as main Christian celebrations as a child, and thought this was quite usual general knowledge.

I think that's the nub of this thread. Where does general knowledge end and particular knowledge begin? I know about the main holidays, but there's a lot more to every religion than that.

At the university where I lecture there was a huge debate a few years ago when businesses and institutions everywhere, including us, were introducing photographic ID badges on lanyards. Some serious representations were made by mosque leaders that we shouldn't have them. That Muslims were not allowed to have their photograph taken, and that they were not allowed to see photographs of others either so no-one, regardless of religion, should wear one.

Therefore I understand the OP wanting to clarify the teddy/rabbit. And a lot of posters will have learned a bit more detail about Islamic beliefs from this thread.

I'm Muslim and soft toys are regularly given as gifts for newborns, no problem there. You are doing a kind and thoughtful thing and anyone, Muslim or not, worth their salt would graciously accept in the manner it is given ☺️

@jamandmarmalade

I’m with you… the more holidays and celebrations the better.

I went to many Bar Mitzvahs as a child, a local Rabbi came into my Catholic school and explained (with food) Passover, we used to celebrate Lunar New Year in my office, have been invited to wonderful work lunches to celebrate Diwali, shared a US Thanksgiving meal with newly emigrated Persians who brought their traditional foods to share.

Bring ‘em on. I’ll celebrate with anyone who wants to share!

Hey, and if I can ask a simple question to learn and make an effort to understand… I say piss off to anyone who tries to make feel bad for it.

exactly @saltinesandcoffeecups and it's how we learn, no?
I would never have intended to cause offence to the dentist.

I think the fact that OP is checking to see if the teddy bear would have caused offence to the recipient is considerate and respectful. I can't see it as tip toeing just a way of learning and kindness to her colleague.

It’s permitted for children/ children’s toys. No problem.

@Phineyj

We do have a sizeable Muslim minority in this country but i) it's a minority and ii) very unevenly spread around the country. Why is it surprising that someone would seek advice before buying a gift? I did before choosing a Bat Mitsvah (sp?) gift for a Jewish friend's daughter. I've only needed to buy one once.

Totally agree. I don't go around asking whether Christians would be offended by something or not, because I am one, and I know.

I ask about other religions (Islam & Judaism, mainly) because although I know a fair amount I want to check for any unknown unknowns.

It's similar to asking guests you don't know that we'll if they have any allergies or dislikes. Or realising someone is a recovering alcoholic before giving them a bottle of wine.

You want to get it right because you care and are interested to learn more about them.

I don't think it's about offending or not offending someone, more about disappointing someone because you couldn't be bothered to do some research.