(A question from a young sister)
My aunt lives abroad, and she brought me lots of presents from there. One of them was a doll that sings songs and things like that. I thanked her and told her, “Please don’t bring me things like this next time.” She said, “If you don’t want it, give it to your friend.” I told her I couldn’t, because it could have a bad influence on her—and besides, I’d be sinning too. She laughed and said, “Oh, come on, Mahya!” But, teacher, wouldn’t I be sinning?
Am I Sinning by Keeping a Singing Doll?
The essence and first answer at a glance (60-word summary)
By not using a gift from someone who promotes sinful behavior, and by encouraging what is right, discouraging what is wrong, and helping prevent others from sinning, you did a beautiful thing. Well done for your pure heart and your wonderful faith.
Answer by Master Ali Saei (Abdullah Meshkat)
Teacher and researcher in the intellectual tradition of wisdom and the Ahl al-Bayt | Soroush Bamdadān Cultural CenterWell done! You did several beautiful things at once: you refused to use a gift that would lead to sin, you enjoined what is right and forbade what is wrong, and by not passing it on, you prevented someone else from sinning. Well done to you, with your pure heart and magnificent faith.