Breastfeeding in the Light of Tawhidic Epistemology

Breastfeeding is highly recommended in Islam. The holy Qur’an which is the seal of revelation of God and which is the main source of Islamic epistemology regards breastfeeding as a sign of love and affection between the mother and the child. Therefore, it is not a surprise that the holy Qur’an and the saying of Prophet Muhammad (s.aw) have provided the optimal period of 24 months for breastfeeding, and the modern scientific findings conclude that this period fulfills the mental and physical health of the baby. In the most serious note, studies show that proper breastfeeding prevents cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in adulthood. Therefore, the emphasis of the holy Qur’an and the Prophetic hadiths on breastfeeding and its duration are comprehensive recommendation to preserve mother and baby’s health. Furthermore, breastfeeding, from God Almighty, is so important that He commands men to provide all the expenses of food and clothing during breastfeeding so that the mothers can breastfeed the baby with peace of mind. Thus, this article will explore the importance of Breastfeeding in Tawhidic worldview, and the main methodology that is applied is Quranic approach on breastfeeding, that is by exploring the view of the holy Qur’an( the final revelation of Allah to mankind) on breastfeeding. The article is also applied a qualitative method by referring to the works of some scholars on this subject. Finally, the article provides a brief conclusion.

Breastfeeding, Qur’an. hadith

1. Abdul Fadl Muhsin Ebrahim (1988) Biomedical Issues: Islamic Perspective. (Kuala Lumpur: A.s Noordeen). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

2. Ahmed Hasan(1994) The Early Development of Islamic Jurisprudence, Delhi. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

3. Al- Qaradawii Yusuf; (2001), The Lawful and the Prohibited in Islam.(Kuala Lumpur, Islamic Book Trust). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

4. Ansari, Abdul Haq (1989). Islamic Ethics: Concept and Prospect. The American Journal of Islamic Social Sciences. Vol 6, No. 1. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

5. Imam Malik. Al- Muwatta’ Book 47: Good Character Hadith no: 47.1.8 [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

6. Kasule OH. Breastfeeding. Islamic Medical Education Resources [online]. Available at http://www.omarkasuletib.blogspot.my/2011/04/070425l-breastfeeding.html. Accessed September 10, 2016. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

7. Philips, Abu Ameenah Bilal. (1990).The Evolution of Fiqh. Riyadh, Tawheed Publication. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

8. Sahih Muslim 1453a, Book 17, Hadith 33. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

9. United Nations Children’s Fund, Al-Azhar University. Children in Islam: their care, upbringing and protection. New York: Pixeltone: 2005. [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

10. Yusuf Ali (1989).The Holy Qur’an: Text, Translation and Commentary; (Maryland: Amana Corporation). [Google Scholar] [Crossref]

• Tribal Child Nutrition and Health in District of Sundargarh: A Public Health Review of ICDS Intervention
• Knowledge, Attitudes and Practices Towards Prostate Cancer Screening Amongst Men Aged 40-60 Years in The Buea Health District: A Cross-Sectional Study
• Compliance with JCI Protocols: A Focus on Employee Safety
• Influence and Involvement of Teachers in Menstrual Hygiene Management of Female Secondary School Students in Kogi State, Nigeria
• A Critical Evaluation of Ayushman Bharat Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana in Bihar