Honestly, if you grew up in the 90s or early 2000s, the idea of a Barbie in a hijab felt like a fever dream. You had the blonde, blue-eyed icon in her Dreamhouse, and then you had the "International" collection where Barbie basically played dress-up in costumes that felt more like a social studies project than a real person.
Things changed. Fast.
But there’s a lot of noise around how this happened. People tend to think Mattel just woke up one day and decided to be "woke." That’s not really the story. The journey of the hijabi Barbie is actually a mix of Olympic grit, a viral Instagram account from Nigeria, and a massive shift in how we think about "modest" fashion.
The Ibtihaj Muhammad Moment
Let’s talk about the actual turning point. In 2017, Mattel finally dropped the first official, mass-produced Barbie in a hijab. They didn't just make a generic doll; they modeled it after Ibtihaj Muhammad. If you don't follow sports, she’s the American sabre fencer who made history at the 2016 Rio Olympics. She was the first U.S. athlete to compete while wearing a hijab.
Mattel included her in their "Shero" line. These aren't just toys; they’re Black Label collector dolls meant to honor women breaking glass ceilings.
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When you look at the Ibtihaj Barbie, the details are actually pretty wild. Ibtihaj was super hands-on with the design. She specifically asked for the doll to have "strong, athletic legs." She wanted it to look like a fencer, not a runway model. She even made sure the eyeliner was flicked exactly the way she wears it.
The doll officially hit the shelves on July 30, 2018, under the product code FJH67. It wasn't just a win for representation; it was a win for realism. It had a curvy body type, which was still a relatively new move for Mattel at the time.
Before Mattel: The "Hijarbie" Revolution
Before the official doll existed, there was a girl in Nigeria named Haneefah Adam. Around 2015, she started an Instagram account called @Hijarbie.
She basically saw a gap. She loved Barbie but didn't see herself. So, she started sewing miniature hijabs and abayas for her dolls. It went viral. I mean, insanely viral. People from all over the world were suddenly looking at these dolls and saying, "Wait, why hasn't Mattel done this yet?"
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Haneefah’s work was more than just a hobby. She was proving that "modest" didn't mean "boring." Her dolls were wearing trendy capes, high-waisted skirts, and chic headscarves. She showed that you could bridge the gap between faith and fashion without losing the "Barbie" vibe. While she wasn't affiliated with Mattel, she definitely lit the fire under the industry.
Why This Doll Matters (and Why Some People Hate It)
You can't talk about a Barbie in a hijab without mentioning the controversy. It’s never just about a toy, right?
On one side, you have millions of Muslim girls who finally saw themselves on a shelf at Target. That’s huge. Seeing your identity validated by a global brand like Barbie changes how you see your place in the world. It normalizes the hijab for kids who aren't Muslim, too. It makes the headscarf just another part of the world’s wardrobe rather than something "other."
But then, there’s the flip side.
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- Commercialization of Faith: Some critics argue that Mattel is just practicing "racial capitalism." Basically, they’re just selling an identity to make a buck.
- The "Good Muslim" Narrative: There’s a critique that by picking an Olympic hero, Mattel is saying you only deserve representation if you’re exceptional.
- Political Tension: In countries like Iran or Afghanistan, where the hijab is often a flashpoint for women's rights protests, a "hijab Barbie" can feel complicated. For some, it represents empowerment; for others, it feels like a brand ignoring the reality of forced veiling.
It's a lot for a 11.5-inch plastic doll to carry.
It Wasn't Always Called Barbie
If you look at the history of "Muslim dolls," Barbie actually had competition long before 2017. Since Mattel didn't have a hijabi version for decades, other companies stepped in.
- Fulla: Launched in 2003, Fulla became the "Barbie of the Middle East." She had a prayer rug, wore an abaya, and lived a lifestyle focused on family and faith.
- Razanne: Created by a Michigan-based company (NoorArt), Razanne was one of the first dolls designed specifically for Muslim girls in the West.
- Jamila: Another alternative that focused on modest clothing and traditional values.
These dolls weren't just "Barbie knockoffs." They were a direct response to a community feeling ignored by Western toy giants. When Mattel finally released the Ibtihaj Muhammad doll, they weren't leading the way—they were catching up.
Actionable Insights: What to Look For Today
If you’re looking to add a Barbie in a hijab to a collection or buy one for a kid, here’s the reality of the market right now:
- Check the Label: The official Ibtihaj Muhammad doll is a "Black Label" doll. This means it’s higher quality and often comes with a stand and a certificate of authenticity. It’s also "Curvy" body type, so standard Barbie clothes might not fit her perfectly.
- Customization is Key: Many parents still do what Haneefah Adam did. They buy standard Barbies and purchase "Modest Fashion" packs from Etsy or independent creators. Mattel has started offering more diverse clothing packs, but the best "hijabi" styles often come from the community itself.
- The Movie Impact: The 2023 Barbie movie actually featured a hijabi Barbie in the background of Barbie Land. She didn't have a major speaking role, but her presence was a massive nod to how far the brand has come.
If you want the real deal, search for the Ibtihaj Muhammad Shero Doll. It’s the gold standard for this specific niche. It’s not just a toy; it’s a piece of history that proved Barbie could be more than just a blonde girl in a swimsuit. She could be a world-class athlete in a headscarf, too.
Next Steps for Your Search:
- Look for "Barbie Shero Ibtihaj Muhammad" on secondary markets like eBay or specialized toy collectors if you want the 2018 original.
- Explore the "Barbie Fashionistas" line for newer dolls with diverse backgrounds, though official hijabs are still rare in the main playline.
- Check out independent makers on platforms like Instagram to find custom modest clothing that fits modern Barbie body types.