I heard Umm Salama, the wife of Allah's Apostle (may peace be upon himy, saying to 'A'isha: By Allah, I do not like to be seen by a young boy who has passed the period of fosterage, whereupon she ('A'isha) said: Why is it so? Sahla daughter of Suhail came to Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) and said: Allah's Messenger, I swear by Allah that I see in the face of Abu Hudhaifa (the signs of disgust) on account of entering of Salim (in the house), whereupon Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) said: Suckle him. She (Sahla bint Suhail) said: He has a heard. But he (again) said: Suckle him, and it would remove what is there (expression of disgust) on the face of Abu Hudhaifa. She said: (I did that) and, by Allah, I did not see (any sign of disgust) on the face of Abu Hudhaifa.
The Book of Suckling - Sahih Muslim 1453 e
This narration from Umm Salama and 'A'isha concerns the ruling of radā' (suckling) and its effect in establishing mahramiyyah (prohibition in marriage). The wisdom behind this divine legislation is to expand the circle of non-marriageable relatives, thereby preserving modesty and preventing potential fitnah.
Contextual Explanation
Sahla bint Suhail approached the Prophet ﷺ concerning Salim, their adopted son who had reached maturity. Though not her biological son, he lived in their household. Abu Hudhaifa felt discomfort with Salim's unrestricted entry into their private quarters.
The Prophet's ﷺ instruction to suckle Salim established a mother-son relationship through radā', making him her mahram. This divinely prescribed method resolved the household's discomfort while maintaining Islamic guidelines.
Legal Rulings Derived
This hadith establishes that radā' (suckling) creates the same mahram relationship as blood ties. Five sucklings or more establish permanent mahramiyyah according to the predominant scholarly opinion.
The ruling applies even if the suckled person is adult, as demonstrated by Salim having a beard. The radā' relationship permits the same level of interaction as with blood mahrams.
This case was specific to Sahla's household situation and doesn't indicate general permission for adult suckling. The primary legislation concerns infant suckling, with this being an exceptional ruling for a particular need.
Scholarly Commentary
Imam Nawawi explains this hadith demonstrates the completeness of Islamic law in addressing all human needs while preserving modesty. The radā' relationship prevents what would otherwise be prohibited viewing and interaction.
Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes this ruling was for a specific necessity and doesn't establish general practice. The wisdom lies in the Shariah's flexibility to address genuine human needs while maintaining its fundamental principles.
The scholars emphasize that the minimum number of sucklings required to establish mahramiyyah is five separate feedings, based on other authentic narrations from the Mother of the Believers, 'A'isha.