Question (Q-106)
There are breastmilk banks here in the UK so that this milk can be given to premature babies and babies suffering from illnesses. What is the ruling in relation to donating breastmilk to such breastmilk banks? Please explain and gain reward.
Answer:
Answer with the Help of the Almighty King, the All Knowing:
It is necessary to avoid donating breastmilk to such breastmilk banks. This is because ḥurmah al-raḍāʿah (prohibition of marital relations due to foster relations) will be established between the woman donating the breastmilk and the child to whom the breastmilk is given. This is the case even if only one drop of milk is given to a child to drink. For the preservation of the health of such children, formula milk can be given (as an alternative to breastmilk). The issue for the women is that in countries such as the UK, a woman is not informed which child or children were given her breastmilk.
It is stated in Badāʿi Al-Ṣanāʿi, Volume 5, Page 83,
ويستوي في الرضاع المحرم قليله وكثيره عند عامة العلماء وعامة الصحابة
“And in al-raḍāʿ(foster relation) that causes marital relations to be prohibited, a little and a large amount is the same according to the general Scholars and the general Companions.”
It is stated in Radd Al-Muḥtār, Volume 4, Page 392 with reference to Fatḥ Al-Qadīr;
والواجب على النساء أن لا يرضعن كل صبي من غير ضرورة، وإذا أرضعن فليحفظن ذلك وليشهرنه ويكتبنه احتياطا
“It is necessary upon women to not give milk to every child without need. When they give milk then they should remember that and make it well known and have it written down out of caution.”
It is stated in Al-Fatāwā Al-Hindiyyah, Volume 1, Page 377,
وكما يحصل الرضاع بالمص من الثدي يحصل بالصب والسعوط والوجور كذا في فتاوى قاضي خان
“Like al-raḍāʿ(foster relation) is established through sucking the breast, it is also established through pouring into the mouth, inserting into the noise and dripping into the mouth (like medicine). This is what is stated in Fatāwā Qāḍī Khān.”
It is stated in Al-Fatāwā Al-Riḍawiyyah, Volume 3, Page 170,
والمص من الثدي غير لازم بالإجماع
“And sucking from the breast is not necessary by consensus.”
والله تعالى أعلم وعلمه أتم وأحكم
Allah, the Exalted, knows best and His Knowledge is Most Complete and Sublime
Written by: Shaykh Omar Khan (May Allah preserve him)
Verified by: Mufti Shamsulhuda Khan (May Allah preserve him)
