Intermediate
Marriage
Surah: An-Nisa (23)
Breastfeeding Prohibitions — Seven by Lineage and Equivalent by Breastfeeding
وَأُمَّهَٰتُكُمُ ٱلَّٰتِيٓ أَرۡضَعۡنَكُمۡ وَأَخَوَٰتُكُم مِّنَ ٱلرَّضَٰعَةِ
— النساء الآية 23
Verse: "And your mothers who nursed you, and your sisters from breastfeeding." (4:23)
The forbidden by breastfeeding: "What is forbidden by lineage is forbidden by breastfeeding." (Bukhari & Muslim)
Conditions for prohibiting breastfeeding: In the first two years; five satisfying sucklings (predominant opinion, Shafi'i and Ahmad).
Breastfeeding prohibitions: Mother, sister, paternal aunt, maternal aunt, brother's daughter, sister's daughter — all from breastfeeding.
Lesson: Islam broadened the family concept to include breastfeeding — strengthening social and family bonds.
The forbidden by breastfeeding: "What is forbidden by lineage is forbidden by breastfeeding." (Bukhari & Muslim)
Conditions for prohibiting breastfeeding: In the first two years; five satisfying sucklings (predominant opinion, Shafi'i and Ahmad).
Breastfeeding prohibitions: Mother, sister, paternal aunt, maternal aunt, brother's daughter, sister's daughter — all from breastfeeding.
Lesson: Islam broadened the family concept to include breastfeeding — strengthening social and family bonds.
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari (2645), Muslim (1444); Ibn Qudama (7/99)
Test Yourself
What are the two conditions for prohibiting breastfeeding for marriage?
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