Based on the provided reference regarding a baby's initial nutritional needs in Islam, the "first food" in the sense of primary sustenance during the crucial early months is breast milk or a suitable substitute.
The Initial Period of Sustenance
According to the information provided, a young child cannot eat real food for usually the first 6 months. During this vital period, the baby NEEDS breast milk for nourishment and development. This indicates that for the significant initial phase of life, breast milk serves as the sole and necessary form of "food".
Responsibility for Provision
While the baby needs breast milk, the reference clarifies an important point about responsibility within the family in Islam. It is not INCUMBENT (obligatory) upon the mother to breastfeed the child. Instead, the incumbency or primary financial and provisioning responsibility is upon the father to provide for his child. This provision for the baby's needs can be fulfilled in two ways:
- Through the baby's mother: This refers to the father supporting the mother so she can breastfeed.
- Through a substitute: If breastfeeding is not possible or chosen, the father is responsible for providing an alternative, such as formula, to meet the baby's nutritional needs.
This responsibility structure is highlighted as being mentioned in an ayah (a verse from the Quran).
Key Information from the Reference
Here are the essential points extracted from the provided reference:
- Young babies (usually up to 6 months) cannot consume solid or "real" food.
- Breast milk is necessary for the baby during this period.
- The mother is not religiously obligated to breastfeed.
- The father bears the primary responsibility to provide for the child's needs, specifically mentioning the provision of nourishment.
- This provision can be either through the mother's breast milk or a substitute.
- This responsibility is based on an Islamic teaching from the Quran (an ayah).
In summary, within the context provided by the reference, the necessary nourishment for a baby during the first approximately six months, when they cannot eat real food, is breast milk or an appropriate substitute, the provision of which is the father's responsibility.
