Q: My paternal aunt (the sister of my father) claims that she breastfed me while my mother was stung in her leg, and that she then breastfed me to save my life. Finally, she says that she is not certain about the period of breastfeeding, i.e. whether it was one suckling or whether it extended for a period of an hour. She also says that her daughters are unmarriageable to me. Please give us a Fatwa on this issue, may Allah reward you the best! (Part No. 21; Page No. 135

A: The breastfeeding that entails prohibition of marriage takes place only if the baby gets five sucklings or more during the first two years, each suckling is as follows: A baby holds a breast and sucks milk. If it leaves it to take a breath or to be moved to another breast, then this is to be counted as one suckling, and so on until five sucklings are counted.Accordingly, if it is proven that you were breastfed by your mentioned paternal aunt five times or more during the first two years of age, in such a manner as mentioned above, then it is not permissible for you to marry any of her daughters. For, due to that breastfeeding you become a brother in breastfeeding to them. Allah (Glorified and Exalted be He) says: Forbidden to you (for marriage) are: your mothers He (Glorified be He) also says ...your foster milk suckling sisters And: The mothers shall give suck to their children for two whole years, (that is) for those (parents) who desire to complete the term of suckling It was also authentically reported from `Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that she said: "Amongst what was sent down of the Qur'an was 'ten known sucklings forbid marriage'. Then it was abrogated by 'five known sucklings'. When the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) died, it was what is now recited of the Qur'an." On the other hand, if you were breastfed by her less than five times, or were breastfed after the first two years (of your life), it is permissible for you to marry any of the daughters of your mentioned paternal aunt. It is worth mentioning that the doubted breastfeeding (Part No. 21; Page No. 136) is not to be considered.May Allah grant us success, and peace and blessings be upon our Prophet and his family and Companions!