In Islam, fosterage, known as Rada’a or Rida’a, refers to the act of breastfeeding a child who is not biologically one’s own. This practice has significant implications in Islamic law, particularly regarding familial relationships and marriage prohibitions.
Key Points of Fosterage in Islam:
- Establishment of Mahram Relationships:
- When a child is breastfed by a woman other than their biological mother, a special bond is created. This bond makes the child a mahram (non-marriageable kin) to the foster mother and her immediate family. This means that certain rules of modesty (purdah) do not apply between them.
- Conditions for Fosterage:
- The breastfeeding must occur within the first two years of the child’s life.
- A minimum of five full breastfeeding sessions are required to establish this relationship.
- Prohibition of Marriage:
- Fosterage creates a relationship similar to blood relations in terms of marriage prohibitions. For example, a boy who has been breastfed by a woman cannot marry her biological daughters, as they are considered his foster sisters.
- Rights and Responsibilities:
- While foster parents are highly respected and honoured, they do not have the same legal rights as biological parents. For instance, foster children do not inherit from their foster parents under Islamic law.
- Respect and Care:
- Despite the legal distinctions, Islam emphasizes the importance of treating foster parents with respect and kindness. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ demonstrated this by showing great respect to his own foster mother
Fosterage is a noble act in Islam, encouraging the care and upbringing of children in need while maintaining clear guidelines to preserve family structures and relationships,
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