The ruling on the hadith of Salim, the freed slave of Abu Hudhayfah

Question:
I heard that the breastfeeding that establishes a prohibition is five feedings or more, and that it must occur within the first two years. However, I read a narration from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) regarding the story of , where he would enter upon her while he had a beard, and the effects of that were visible on the face of Abu Hudhayfah. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to her, “Forty [feedings] are prohibited for you.” Is this hadith authentic?

Answer:
Yes, the hadith is authentic, but it is specific to this particular incident and has no general application, because it is a case of a specific individual and does not have a general ruling, as the majority of scholars say. Therefore, breastfeeding by an adult does not have an effect, does not give rise to a ruling, and does not establish the prohibition of breastfeeding. Rather, this is specific to Abu Hudhayfah and his wife, and to Salim, the freed slave of Abu Hudhayfah, and it is an incident with no general application. May Allah reward you with good and do you well.