In this hadith, Aisha is said to play with dolls:
A'ishah, may Allaah be pleased with her, narrated that she used to play with dolls in the presence of the Prophet, sallallaahu ʻalayhi wa sallam, and that her friends also used to play with her. When the Prophet, sallallaahu ʻalayhi wa sallam, would enter (her dwelling place), they used to hide, but the Prophet, sallallaahu ʻalayhi wa sallam, would call them to join and play with her. (Fath Al-Bari, page 143, Vol.13)
According to Al-Khattabi and Ibn Battal, this meant that Aisha didn't hit puberty, since dolls were considered idols:
Ibn Battaal may Allaah have mercy upon him commented on this hadeeth, saying, “The hadeeth indicates that the toys that young girls play with are allowed, meaning dolls, which are essentially statues. We do not find an interpretation for this concession except that it is granted to young children for playing with.” [Sharh Saheeh Al-Bukhari]
Al-Khattabi commented on this hadeeth, saying, ‘It is deduced from this hadeeth that playing with dolls is not like the amusement with other images concerning which the threat of punishment is mentioned. Rather, it was deemed permissible for ʻAa'ishah to play with these dolls because she had not yet reached puberty then.’ (Source)
Is this a general rule (playing with dolls is idol worship before puberty)? If so, please name the scholars. I have been told there are other scholars who claim that there was an exception for Aisha. Who are these scholars in question.
