Summary The doll is called Imam Adam and is attempting to make pilgrimage to Mecca. Photo courtesy: NBC News
(Web Desk) - Faith based dolls are hitting children’s shops and toy stores across the world as a way to increase interest in kids about religious learning. However, while other faiths, such as Christianity, have numerous faith based dolls of important figures, Muslims have next to none.
This is why Danny Shakoj, a son to Circassian Muslims, is trying to produce a doll for Muslim children.
According to NBC News, Shakoj, who grew up in New Jersey, says that during his childhood there were few cultural toys or books that, reflected his upbringing. Now after research and brainstorming Shakoj has managed to create new children’s book called "Adventures of Imam Adam."
Shakoj says the doll will bring people of different faiths closer. Photo courtesy: USA Today
The book, which is meant for children aged 3 and above, has illustrations by artist Necdet Yilmaz, follows the adventures of a Muslim imam as he attempts to make the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca. The doll of Imam Adam accompanies the book and wears traditional Islamic clothing and also carries a green backpack with a folded green prayer rug inside.
Shakoj hopes that the doll would be more relatable to children as Imam Adam "lives in a diversified neighborhood, he plays soccer, he makes his way across a broken bridge and has to deal with crocodiles."
He also says that the book tells children on how the Imam uses the five pillars of Islam to solve problems and touches on topics such as being kind to the environment.
