RIẒĀʿ (رضاع)
Definition
RIẒĀʿ (Arabic: رضاع, Turkish: Süt Kardeşliği) is a legal term in Islamic jurisprudence referring to the act of breastfeeding a child, which establishes a foster relationship between the woman breastfeeding and the child. This relationship known as the period of fosterage creates significant legal and social implications, particularly in matters of marriage and kinship.
Etymology
The term RIẒĀʿ is derived from the Arabic root ر - ض - ع (R - D - ʿ), which encompasses meanings related to suckling or nursing. This underscores the act of a woman feeding a child through breastfeeding, forming a unique bond recognized in Islamic law.
Legal and Social Significance
Fosterage Period
In Islamic legal tradition, the period during which the act of breastfeeding must occur to establish a foster relationship differs slightly among various Islamic schools of thought but typically ranges from the child’s birth up to a specific age – usually within two years.
Legal Implications
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Marriage Prohibitions: The foster relationship established through RIẒĀʿ carries prohibitions similar to those of blood relationships. For instance, a foster child (milk-sibling) is religously forbidden to marry the biological children of the foster mother.
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Kinship and Inheritance: While fosterage through RIẓāʿ creates familial ties, it does not affect inheritance laws. A child breastfed by a woman does not acquire inheritance rights from her or her biological children, unlike biological kinship.
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Social Responsibilities and Etiquette: The breastfeeding act adds responsibilities and social expectations. A foster mother, for instance, holds a respected position that invokes certain expectations regarding care and guidance, though not to the extent legally binding as with biological motherhood.
Cultural Practices
In many Muslim societies, RIẒĀʿ is recognized and respected in both urban and rural settings. Cultural practices around fostering may vary, but the underlying legal principles remain rooted in classical Islamic jurisprudence.
Further Studies
For those interested in diving deeper into the intricacies of RIẒĀʿ, several scholarly works provide comprehensive analysis and discussion on this topic:
- “Fosterage in Islamic Law: A Study of RIẒĀʿ as a Formative Component in Islamic Jurisprudence” by Ayman Shabana.
- “Islamic Jurisprudence: An International Perspective” edited by Martin Lau and Frank E. Vogel.
- “Between Marriage and Family: Dynamics of RIẒĀʿ and its Legal and Social Impact” by Abdullahi An-Na‘im.
Key Takeaways
- RIẒĀʿ involves the legal and social process of establishing fosterage through breastfeeding.
- It emphasizes significant roles and responsibilities affecting marriage, kinship, and social engagements.
- The foster relationship created through RIẒĀʿ is recognized deeply in Islamic law, though it does not impact inheritance laws.
Conclusion
RIẒĀʿ (رضاع) carries profound legal and social significance within the Islamic tradition, symbolizing the importance Islam places on familial bonds and societal coherence, via the fosterage system. By understanding RIẒĀʿ, one gains greater insight into Islamic familial structures and the broader context of Islamic law and ethics.
For further inquiries and exploration, the recommended readings offer extensive perspectives on the nuanced and comprehensive nature of this significant Islamic practice.
