The Ancient Practice of Sending Infants to Wet Nurses in Makkah

Uncovering the Reasons Behind Sending Infants to Wet Nurses in Pre-Islamic Makkah

Question: Why were the infants of Makkah sent to far-off areas? Was it only for their health and well-being, or was there another reason, given that no one can provide better care than a mother, yet this practice was common in Makkah?

Answer: In the pre-Islamic era, breastfeeding was a profession for women, particularly those who were poor. These women would breastfeed the children of wealthy families to earn a living. Therefore, infants were not deliberately sent to far-off areas; rather, women from those areas would come to Makkah seeking employment. This was a common practice of that time and had no relation to Islam. Islam values a mother nursing her own child as the best and most virtuous, and it has set the breastfeeding period at two years.

✍ Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi (Hafizahullaah)

Jeddah Dawah Center – As-Salamah – Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Author: IslamicHelper

IslamicHelper

Recent Articles

Islam on Female Slaves

Discover the Islamic definition of female slaves (Kaneez/Londi), permissibility of intercourse without marriage, Quranic/Hadith evidence, and why domestic helpers aren't… Read More

5 days ago

Islam’s Stance on Slavery

Explore Islam's historical and humane approach to slavery, countering criticisms on male/female slaves, sexual rights, and justice. Detailed answers rooted… Read More

5 days ago

True Qualities of Salafi Scholars

Explore the superiority of scholars in Islam, drawing from Quran, Hadith, and Salaf Saliheen teachings. Discover qualities of authentic Salafi… Read More

6 days ago

Combining Prayers in Bad Weather

Explore the Shari'ah rulings on combining Isha prayer immediately after Maghrib due to rain or bad weather, including Hadith references… Read More

6 days ago

Shari’ah on Valentine’s Day

Explore why Valentine's Day is considered haram in Islam, backed by Quran, Hadith, and scholarly insights. Learn about pure love… Read More

6 days ago

Islamic Ruling on Lesbianism

A Muslim sister's query on same-sex involvement receives detailed Islamic advice, emphasizing the prohibition of homosexuality, severe warnings from Quran… Read More

6 days ago