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

Beware: Shaytan’s Seven Traps to Misguide You

Discover the seven cunning traps Shaytan uses to lead believers astray, as explained by Imam Ibn al-Qayyim. Learn how to… Read More

1 week ago

The Truth About “Inni Mutawaffika”: Jesus’ Ascension in Islam

Explore the true meaning of "Inni Mutawaffika" in the Quran regarding Jesus (AS). This article refutes misconceptions and establishes the… Read More

1 week ago

Nikah in Islam: A Complete Guide

Discover the sacred institution of Nikah in Islam, its significance, conditions, and how to build a blessed marriage according to… Read More

1 week ago

Zakah in Quran and Sunnah: A Complete Guide

Explore the fundamental pillar of Islam, Zakah, through authentic references from the Quran and Sunnah. Learn its significance, calculation, and… Read More

3 weeks ago

Great Inventors of the Islamic Golden Age

Discover the remarkable inventors of the Islamic Golden Age who revolutionized science, medicine, and technology. From algebra to optics, their… Read More

3 weeks ago

Healthy Eating in Islam: Sunnah Foods & Principles

Discover the timeless wisdom of Islamic healthy eating. Learn about Sunnah foods, their benefits, and how to incorporate them into… Read More

3 weeks ago