Is an elderly woman considered a mother through rada'a (wet-nursing) if two unrelated individuals suckle from her, even if there is no milk in her breast?
Prohibition through breastfeeding is not established merely by latching onto the breast, but by the infant being nourished by the breast milk. 'Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, narrated that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Look well at who your brothers are, for breastfeeding is only that which fills the stomach."
Umm Salamah narrated that the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Nothing prohibits through breastfeeding except that which tears the intestines in the breast (i.e., nourishes the child) and was before weaning."
The breastfeeding that causes prohibition consists of five or more distinct feedings, within the first two years of the child's life. A single feeding is counted when the child holds onto the breast, sucks milk from it, and then releases it to breathe or for a similar reason.
If there is no milk, then prohibition is not established.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy