Breastfeeding Prohibitions — Seven by Lineage and Equivalent by Breastfeeding
fiqh
Level: intermediate
nikah
fqh-029
وَأُمَّهَٰتُكُمُ ٱلَّٰتِيٓ أَرۡضَعۡنَكُمۡ وَأَخَوَٰتُكُم مِّنَ ٱلرَّضَٰعَةِ
— النساء 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.
Source: Sahih Al-Bukhari (2645), Muslim (1444); Ibn Qudama (7/99)
Question: What are the two conditions for prohibiting breastfeeding for marriage?
Answer: (1) In the first two years (2) Five satisfying sucklings — fewer than five or after weaning does not prohibit marriage according to the predominant opinion.