I have uncles and aunts through breastfeeding. Should I address them as "Uncle" and "Aunt"? Is it obligatory to maintain ties with them?

Question:
May Allah reward you, Honorable Shaykh. This questioner says: I have uncles and aunts through breastfeeding. Should I address them as "Uncle" and "Aunt"? Is it obligatory to maintain ties with them?

Answer:
As for addressing him as "Uncle" or her as "Aunt," there is nothing wrong with it, because he is your uncle through breastfeeding or she is your aunt through breastfeeding. As for maintaining ties, it is not obligatory, because they are not relatives by blood. They do not have the same status as blood relatives in terms of maintaining ties. However, if you wish to be kind to them, there is nothing wrong with being kind to them. When the woman who breastfed the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) came, he stood up for her and seated her on his bed as a sign of honor. When his sister through breastfeeding also came, he stood up for her and honored her. This is part of good character and good treatment. Maintaining ties is only obligatory for blood relatives. Yes.