Question:
Me and my wife are followers of the Shafi Madhab. We would like to know what would be the ruling regarding breast feeding a young orphan boy of 4-5 years of age (in the Shafi Mazhab) who is going to be adopted by us, so that we can consider this orphan as our mahram. Especially for my wife and 3 daughters. Any references would be appreciated.
Answer:
الحمد لله رب العالمين ، وصلى الله على سيدنا محمد وعلى آله وصحبه أجمعين، وبالله التوفيق
وشرط الرضاع المحرم رضيع حي لم يبلغ سنتين بالاهلة وخمس رضعات (التحفة والنهاية: كتاب الرضاع). ورضاع صبي بلغ سنتين لم يحرم. ولكن نحب ان نقرر ان لا تكون المحرمية مانعة لكفيل الأولاد اليتيم. وعن سهل بن سعد عن النبي صلي الله عليه وسلم قال انا وكافل اليتيم في الجنة هكذا وقال باصبعيه السبابة والوسطي رواه البخاري (رقم الحديث: 6005))
1) According to the Shafi’i’ madhhab, if a child within the time frame of two lunar years is breastfed an amount of five sucklings, automatically this will generate a bond of foster relations between mother and child i.e. the child will be a mahram to the mother and foster siblings if any. However, if a woman breastfeeds a child who is two years or more, then this will not effect any relation between them. (At Tuhfah, Wa Al Nihaayah)
2) It is indeed a great act of virtue to adopt children who are less fortunate than others considering the fact of them being orphans. There are tremendous virtues and rewards mentioned in the Ahadeeth for those who spread their wings of kindness towards these less fortunate children. Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) portrayed an exhorbitant amount of kindness towards the orphans. It is narrated on the authority of Sahl ibn Sa’d (Radiyallahu anhu) that Nabi(Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam) said: “I and the guardian of the orphan will be in Jannat like this”, indicating with his forefinger and middle finger.
(Saheeh Al Bukhari)
والله تعالى أعلم
Allah Most High knows best.
We commend you on your sincere intention and hope that this would not become an impediment from adopting the child.
And Allāh Ta῾āla Knows Best
Wassalāmu ῾alaykum
Ml. Abdullah Al Marbuqi Ash-Shafi῾ī
Checked and Approved by:
Mufti Ebrahim Desai
Dārul Iftā, Madrasah In῾āmiyyah