Wages for Breastfeeding a Child: Misconceptions vs. Shari’ah Reality
In our society, a misconception exists among some women that a wife, while still in the state of marriage, has the right to demand wages or compensation from her husband for breastfeeding their child.
However, this notion is entirely baseless according to Shari’ah. As long as the marital bond remains intact, raising the child and breastfeeding are part of the mother’s moral and religious responsibilities, for which she cannot demand any kind of wages from her husband.
The demand for wages can only be made in one specific situation: if separation has occurred between the husband and wife through divorce (Talaq) or Khula, and the waiting period (Iddah) has also concluded. If the mother breastfeeds her former husband’s child after this, then she can claim compensation for it.
In other words, if a woman wishes to demand wages from her husband for breastfeeding his child, she must first obtain a divorce or Khula from him to terminate their marital bond; after that, she can undoubtedly demand payment.
(Kifayatullah Sanabli)
