Yes, a wife can breastfeed her husband in Islam, although it does not create a mahram relationship.
According to Islamic jurisprudence, the act of a husband sucking milk from his wife’s breast is permissible. The Standing Committee of Scholars has stated: "It is permissible for the husband to suck his wife's breasts, and if any milk reaches his stomach it does not have the effect of making him a mahram." This indicates that while the act is not prohibited, it does not establish a legal bond of breastfeeding fosterage (rada'ah) that would make him a mahram (a close family member whom one cannot marry).
Understanding the Concept of Mahram
- A mahram relationship in Islam is established through blood relations, marriage, or fosterage (breastfeeding).
- Fosterage establishes mahram status only when a child is breastfed by a woman other than their biological mother during their infancy (generally considered the first two years of life).
- This relationship creates familial bonds that place certain restrictions and rights, such as the prohibition of marriage, permission for seclusion, etc.
Husband Breastfeeding: Key Points
- Permissibility: The act of breastfeeding by a husband is permitted by Islamic scholars.
- No Mahram Status: This act does not lead to the creation of a mahram relationship. The husband does not become a mahram of his wife through this.
- No Legal Ramifications: The act itself does not change the marriage or legal status of either party.
- Scholarly Opinion: The Standing Committee's ruling clarifies that any milk ingested by the husband has no effect on their marital status or their mahram relationships.
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Permissibility | Allowed for the husband to suckle from his wife's breasts. |
| Mahram Status | No mahram relation created between husband and wife. |
| Legal Effects | No legal changes to marriage or any familial relationship. |
| Rada'ah Effect | Not considered as rada'ah (fosterage) with the legal effect of creating mahram status. |
In summary, the practice is not forbidden in Islam, but it does not have the effect of creating a mahram relationship as breastfeeding would in the case of a child being nursed during infancy.
