Source: Fatāwā Amunpuri by Shaykh Ghulām Mustafa Zaheer Amunpuri
Does breastfeeding at the age of three establish foster (raḍāʿah) relations?
No, breastfeeding at the age of three does not establish raḍāʿah (fosterage). The valid period for establishing foster relationships through breastfeeding is only within the first two years of the child’s life.
If the child, within two years of age or younger, breastfeeds at least five times, the foster relationship is established.
But if the child is three years old, then no raḍāʿah relationship is established, as the complete and legislated duration of breastfeeding is only two years.
﴿وَالْوَالِدَاتُ يُرْضِعْنَ أَوْلَادَهُنَّ حَوْلَيْنِ كَامِلَيْنِ لِمَنْ أَرَادَ أَنْ يُتِمَّ الرَّضَاعَةَ﴾
“Mothers shall breastfeed their children for two complete years—for those who wish to complete the period of nursing.”
Surah al-Baqarah (2): 233
① The duration for valid foster breastfeeding is up to two years only.
② Five separate feedings within this period establish the raḍāʿah bond.
③ Breastfeeding beyond two years, such as at age three, does not count toward fosterage.
❖ Question:
Does breastfeeding at the age of three establish foster (raḍāʿah) relations?
✿ Answer:
No, breastfeeding at the age of three does not establish raḍāʿah (fosterage). The valid period for establishing foster relationships through breastfeeding is only within the first two years of the child’s life.
If the child, within two years of age or younger, breastfeeds at least five times, the foster relationship is established.
But if the child is three years old, then no raḍāʿah relationship is established, as the complete and legislated duration of breastfeeding is only two years.
❀ Allah ﷻ says:
﴿وَالْوَالِدَاتُ يُرْضِعْنَ أَوْلَادَهُنَّ حَوْلَيْنِ كَامِلَيْنِ لِمَنْ أَرَادَ أَنْ يُتِمَّ الرَّضَاعَةَ﴾
“Mothers shall breastfeed their children for two complete years—for those who wish to complete the period of nursing.”
Surah al-Baqarah (2): 233
Conclusion:
① The duration for valid foster breastfeeding is up to two years only.
② Five separate feedings within this period establish the raḍāʿah bond.
③ Breastfeeding beyond two years, such as at age three, does not count toward fosterage.
