Breastfeeding in Islam

In Islam, breastfeeding holds significant importance and is encouraged based on teachings from the Quran and traditions of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him):

Allah has stated the child’s right to be breastfed in Surat al- Baqarah “The mothers shall give suck to their children for two whole years, (that is) for those (parents) who desire to complete the term of suckling”
[al-Baqarah 2:233]

Fourteen hundred years after this verse was revealed, international organizations such as the World Health Organization have issued statement after statement calling on mothers to breastfeed their children, whereas Islam enjoined that fourteen centuries ago

Encouragement and Virtue: Breastfeeding is highly encouraged in Islam as a virtuous act that carries blessings and rewards for both the mother and the child. The Prophet Muhammad emphasized the benefits of breastfeeding and its role in fostering strong bonds between mother and child.

The benefits of breastfeeding for the child include the following:

1 – The mother’s milk is sterile, containing no germs.

2 – The mother’s milk cannot be imitated by any milk prepared from the milk of cows, goats or camels. It is composed in such a way as to meet the child’s needs day after day, from birth until weaning.

3 – The mother’s milk contains sufficient amounts of protein and sugar that suit the infant completely, whereas the proteins in cow’s, goat’s and buffalo’s milk are difficult for the child’s stomach to digest, because they are suited to the offspring of those animals.

4 – The development of children who are breastfed is faster and more complete than that of children who are bottle-fed.

5 – The psychological and emotional bond between the mother and her child.

6 – The mother’s milk contains various elements that are essential to the child’s nourishment, in the right amounts and formats needed by his body, and in a form that is suited to his ability to digest and absorb. The nourishing content of the milk is not fixed; it changes day by day according to the child’s needs.

7 – The mother’s milk is kept at a suitable temperature that meets the child’s needs, and can be given to him at any time.

8 – Breastfeeding is a natural means of contraception for the mother, and is free of the complications that may accompany use of birth control pills, the coil (IUD) or injections.

Modesty and Privacy: While Islam encourages breastfeeding as a natural act, it also emphasizes modesty and privacy. This includes considerations for how and where breastfeeding should ideally take place, with respect for cultural norms and personal privacy.

Alternatives: In cases where breastfeeding is not possible due to valid reasons such as maternal illness or inability to produce sufficient milk, Islam allows for alternatives such as wet nursing (Rada’a) under specific conditions and guidelines, ensuring the child’s welfare and proper upbringing.

In summary, breastfeeding is viewed as a noble and beneficial practice in Islam, promoting the health and well-being of both mother and child while emphasizing the importance of nurturing and care within the family unit.