Question
I would like to ask a question with reference to a hadith quoted below:
Zainab daughter of Abu Salama reported: I heard Umm Salama, the wife of Allah’s Apostle (May peace be upon him) saying to ‘Aisha: By Allah, I do not like to be seen by a young boy who has passed the period of fosterage, whereupon she (‘Aisha) said: Why is it so? Sahla daughter of Suhail came to Allah’s Messenger (May peace be upon him) 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 (May peace be upon him) 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 Hadhaifa.
I would like to ask how this Sahabiah Sahla Bint Suhail had breastfed this man as it is mentioned he was an adult. How did he suck from her breast? Could the Prophet command an act which seems to be very discomforting for Salim was not an infant?
Answer
This does not necessarily mean that she directly breastfed Salim, Mawla of Abu Huzayfah. One clear possibility is that she would have taken the milk out from her breast into a cup and then this was given to Salim.
Answered by: Dr. Shehzad Saleem
Date: 2015-01-22
