Answered by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat
Question: Assalamu alaykum
I need help in understanding the concept of Foster relationship in Islam as nowadays Genetic modifications by scientists have given rise to cows that produce human breast milk by inserting human female DNA.
Could you provide me the comprehensive answer on this issue as Genetic Engineering is becoming a reality?
Answer: Wa ‘alaykum as-salam wa rahmatullah wa barakatuh
The issue of genetic engineering has no effect on foster relationships through breastmilk (raḍāʿa). Even if some human DNA is inserted into a cow or a sheep, the apparent is that milk is that of the animal, and animal milk does not have any bearing on foster relationships amongst humans (Abul-Husayn al-Quduri, Mukhtasar al-Quduri). And Allah knows best,
May Allah grant you the best of both worlds.
Wassalam,
[Shaykh] Abdul-Rahim Reasat