Yes, according to Islamic teachings, you can breastfeed your niece for the purpose of establishing mahram (a relationship of unmarriageable kin).
Understanding the Islamic Perspective on Breastfeeding and Mahram Relationships
In Islam, breastfeeding can create a bond similar to a blood relationship, establishing specific rules related to mahram relationships. This is essential for determining who a person can marry and the rules of interaction within a family.
How Breastfeeding Creates Mahram Relationships
- Breastfeeding a child by a woman other than his/her mother can create a mahram relationship with that woman and her family, following certain conditions.
- This relationship is equivalent to a blood relationship for determining who is unmarriageable to whom.
- This helps to create a safe family environment, where interaction between mahram relatives is less restricted.
Specifics Regarding Your Niece
Based on the provided reference, "There is nothing wrong with you having breastfed your sister's daughter". This means that breastfeeding your niece is permissible and can establish mahram status.
Key Considerations
It's important to consider a few points:
- Intention: The intention should be to create a mahram relationship, which means that the aim is to make the child related to the woman in a way that prohibits marriage.
- Number of Feedings: Islamic scholars stipulate that the breastfeeding should occur a certain number of times for a mahram relationship to be established.
- Age of Child: Breastfeeding should typically occur within the first two years of a child's life.
Practical Application
Here's an example to illustrate the concept:
If you breastfeed your sister’s daughter, she would become like your daughter in terms of the rules of mahram. If you also have a son who was breastfed by your sister, then your niece and your son would be considered siblings in terms of mahram relationship, and would not be allowed to marry each other.
Summary
In conclusion, Islamic teachings permit breastfeeding your niece to establish mahram relationship, similar to that of blood relations.
