17/2. Chapter:
Sahih Muslim 1445i — Do Not Veil From Foster Uncle
The prohibition that results from breastfeeding is related to the issue of the male
Do Not Veil From Foster Uncle: Mahram Hadith
Sahih Muslim : 1445i
Sahih MuslimHadith Number 1445i
حَدَّثَنَا قُتَيْبَةُ بْنُ سَعِيدٍ، حَدَّثَنَا لَيْثٌ، ح وَحَدَّثَنَا مُحَمَّدُ بْنُ رُمْحٍ، أَخْبَرَنَا اللَّيْثُ، عَنْ يَزِيدَ بْنِ أَبِي حَبِيبٍ، عَنْ عِرَاكٍ، عَنْ عُرْوَةَ، عَنْ عَائِشَةَ، أَنَّهَا أَخْبَرَتْهُ أَنَّ عَمَّهَا مِنَ الرَّضَاعَةِ - يُسَمَّى أَفْلَحَ - اسْتَأْذَنَ عَلَيْهَا فَحَجَبَتْهُ فَأَخْبَرَتْ رَسُولَ اللَّهِ صلى الله عليه وسلم فَقَالَ لَهَا " لاَ تَحْتَجِبِي مِنْهُ فَإِنَّهُ يَحْرُمُ مِنَ الرَّضَاعَةِ مَا يَحْرُمُ مِنَ النَّسَبِ " .
A'isha Narrated from:
A'isha (Allah be pleased with her) reported that her foster-uncle whose name was Aflah sought permission from her (to enter the house) but she observed seclusion from him, and informed Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) who said to her: Don't observe veil from him for he is Mahram (one with whom marriage cannot be contracted) on account of fosterage as one is Mahram on account of consanguinity.
Reference : Sahih Muslim 1445iIn-book reference : Book 17, Hadith 12USC-MSA web (English) reference : Book 8, Hadith 3405
Summary of Sahih Muslim Hadith 1445i
This hadith about fosterage and hijab states the rule in a clear way. A'isha's foster uncle, named Aflah, asked permission to enter, but she observed seclusion from him. She then informed the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم. He told her not to observe veil from him, explaining that what becomes unlawful through fosterage is what becomes unlawful through lineage. This hadith is one of the clearest reports in the batch for the breastfeeding mahram relation. It joins the practical case with the general rule. The lesson is not to ignore modesty, but to understand who is treated as mahram when a valid foster relationship is present.
What we learn from this hadith
- Aflah was treated as mahram through fosterage.
- The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم connected fosterage with lineage in this ruling.
- A'isha's action was corrected after she asked about the matter.
