While some Islamic sources suggest that breastfeeding a husband is permissible as an act of intimacy, the overwhelming consensus is that it is not recommended and is considered a great sin by many scholars.
Understanding the Islamic Perspective
The key issue revolves around the concept of mahram, which refers to those individuals with whom marriage is forbidden. Breastfeeding traditionally establishes a mahram relationship. While some interpretations suggest that breastfeeding an adult does not create this relationship, many Islamic scholars disagree. They argue that even if the act itself doesn't create a mahram relationship, it's still considered inappropriate and potentially sinful due to its deviation from established norms and religious teachings.
The following points summarize the varying viewpoints:
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Permissible as intimacy: Some sources indicate that sucking on a wife's nipples is permissible within the context of marital intimacy, arguing that the milk itself doesn't have a significant impact. [Source: "Sucking wife's breasts: Permissible? Even if he sucks on her nipples, this comes under the heading of the intimacy that is permissible..."]
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Great sin: Other interpretations strongly condemn the practice, classifying it as a major sin. [Source: "The husband does not become haram upon the wife by taking in the milk of the wife. However, it is a great sin for the husband to take in the milk of his wife."]
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No effect on Mahram: Many sources emphasize that breastfeeding an adult does not create a mahram relationship. This means it doesn't impact marriage prohibitions. However, this does not necessarily condone the practice. [Source: "Drinking one's wife's milk has no effect and does not create the relationship of mahram because the breastfeeding which has an effect is that which consists of..."]
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Historical Context: While historical accounts mention breastfeeding of adult men by women (e.g., to circumvent purdah rules), these instances are usually viewed within their specific historical contexts and don't necessarily establish it as a widely accepted practice today. [Source: "Prophet Muhammad allowed women to breastfeed adult men, Hazrat Aisha used the same ruling so that she did not have to observe Purdah while meeting men."]
Conclusion
The practice of a husband breastfeeding from his wife is a contentious issue in Islam. While some interpretations suggest it's permissible within the context of marital intimacy, most religious scholars consider it inappropriate and a grave sin. The practice is generally not encouraged or recommended.
