Messengerof Allah, I see on the face of Abu Hudhaifa (signs of disgust) on entering of Salim (who is an ally) into (our house), whereupon Allah's Apostle (ﷺ) said: Suckle him. She said: How can I suckle him as he is a grown-up man? Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) smiled and said: I already know that he is a young man 'Amr has made this addition in his narration that he participated in the Battle of Badr and in the narration of Ibn 'Umar (the words are): Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) laughed.
The Book of Suckling - Sahih Muslim 1453a
This narration from Sahih Muslim addresses the legal ruling concerning foster relationships through suckling (radāʿah) and its implications for marriage prohibition.
Context and Background
The incident involves Salim, the freed slave of Abu Hudhaifa, who was treated as an adopted son. When Salim entered the household, Abu Hudhaifa's wife noticed her husband's discomfort, as Islamic law prohibits unrelated men from freely interacting with women.
The Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) resolved this by instructing the woman to suckle Salim, thereby establishing a foster relationship that would make him her mahram (unmarriageable kin), thus permitting normal family interaction.
Scholarly Commentary
This hadith establishes that suckling creates the same mahram relationship as blood ties, prohibiting marriage between the foster mother and her foster son, and between foster siblings.
The woman's initial surprise highlights that suckling typically applies to infants, but the Prophet's ruling shows that the legal effect occurs regardless of age at the time of suckling.
The Prophet's smile or laughter indicates his understanding of the unusual nature of the situation while affirming the legal principle.
Legal Implications
This narration forms the basis for the ruling that even a single suckle can establish foster relationship, according to the majority of scholars.
The ruling demonstrates Islam's concern for protecting family sanctity and preventing potential impropriety (khalwah) between non-mahram individuals.
Scholars note that this specific ruling was for that particular situation and that general rules regarding foster relationships require suckling during infancy.