What is the criterion for the number of breastfeedings: is it the act of sucking the breast and then releasing it, or is it the complete feeding?
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The questioner : What is the criterion for the number of breastfeedings: is it the act of sucking the breast and then releasing it, or is it the complete feeding? We ask for your guidance on this.
The Shaykh : The scholars (may Allah have mercy on them) differed regarding the meaning of breastfeeding: is it considered one breastfeed if the child sucks the breast and then releases it, even if he returns to it immediately, or is it necessary that there be a distinct breastfeed separated from the other? There are two opinions on this issue.
The stronger opinion is that the breastfeed must be separated from the other such that there is a distinct interval between them. As for merely releasing the breast and then returning to it immediately, that is not considered another breastfeed. This is because a breastfeed here is like a mouthful of food for one who eats. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:Riyad as-Salihin 1396.
It is well known that it is prescribed to drink in three sips, and that one sip includes the three sips. Similarly, in eating, a person praises Allah (Mighty and Majestic) when he finishes his meal, even though he may have eaten many mouthfuls. Therefore, what appears to be the case is that what is meant by a breastfeed is one that is completely separated from the other. As for merely releasing the breast in one place, it is not considered a repetition of breastfeedings, but rather it is one breastfeed, even if he releases it several times.
Furthermore, many common people think that if a child becomes full from breastfeeding, that suffices for the count. However, this is not correct. Rather, the criterion is the number, whether he becomes full or not. If this child breastfeeds from this woman five times, he is considered her son through breastfeeding, whether he became full in each breastfeed or not.
The questioner : May Allah reward you.
The Shaykh : The scholars (may Allah have mercy on them) differed regarding the meaning of breastfeeding: is it considered one breastfeed if the child sucks the breast and then releases it, even if he returns to it immediately, or is it necessary that there be a distinct breastfeed separated from the other? There are two opinions on this issue.
The stronger opinion is that the breastfeed must be separated from the other such that there is a distinct interval between them. As for merely releasing the breast and then returning to it immediately, that is not considered another breastfeed. This is because a breastfeed here is like a mouthful of food for one who eats. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:
Allah is pleased with His slave who says: 'Al-hamdu lillah (praise be to Allah)' when he takes a morsel of food and drinks a draught of water.
إن الله ليرضى عن العبد يأكل الأكلة فيحمده عليها ويشرب الشربة فيحمده عليهاIt is well known that it is prescribed to drink in three sips, and that one sip includes the three sips. Similarly, in eating, a person praises Allah (Mighty and Majestic) when he finishes his meal, even though he may have eaten many mouthfuls. Therefore, what appears to be the case is that what is meant by a breastfeed is one that is completely separated from the other. As for merely releasing the breast in one place, it is not considered a repetition of breastfeedings, but rather it is one breastfeed, even if he releases it several times.
Furthermore, many common people think that if a child becomes full from breastfeeding, that suffices for the count. However, this is not correct. Rather, the criterion is the number, whether he becomes full or not. If this child breastfeeds from this woman five times, he is considered her son through breastfeeding, whether he became full in each breastfeed or not.
The questioner : May Allah reward you.