"Salim has reached the age of manhood, and understands what men understand. He enters upon us, and I think that Abu Hudhaifah is not happy about that." The Prophet said: "Breast-feed him, and you will become unlawful to him." So she breast-fed him, and the displeasure of Abu Hudhaifah disappeared. She came back to him and said: "I breast-fed him and the displeasure of Abu Hudhaifah has disappeared."
The Book of Marriage - Sunan an-Nasa'i 3323
A commentary on the hadith concerning radāʿ (suckling) establishing mahram relationships.
Textual Analysis
This narration concerns Salim, the freed slave of Abu Hudhaifah, who had reached physical maturity. His unrestricted entry into the household caused discomfort to Abu Hudhaifah due to potential privacy concerns with non-mahram males.
The Prophet's solution demonstrates the legal principle that radāʿ (suckling) establishes the same mahram relationship as blood kinship, thereby removing the original cause of unease.
Legal Rulings
Scholars agree that five suckling sessions establish mahram status, based on the consensus of the Companions. This ruling applies regardless of age, as demonstrated by Salim's maturity.
The prohibition created by radāʿ is permanent and comprehensive, encompassing marriage and the relaxation of hijab requirements, just as with blood relations.
Wisdom and Application
This ruling preserves family harmony and protects household privacy while providing a Sharīʿah-compliant solution to social discomfort.
The incident illustrates the comprehensive nature of Islamic law, addressing both spiritual and practical social concerns through divinely-inspired solutions.