A Research Review of Human Milk Bank in the Light of Islamic Sharīʻah

انسانی دودھ کے بینک کے قیام کا شریعت اسلامیہ کی روشنی میں تحقیقی جائزہ

Abstract

The concept of human milk banking has garnered increasing attention as a public health initiative aimed at addressing infant malnutrition, improving neonatal outcomes, and supporting mothers unable to breastfeed. However, its implementation in Muslim-majority societies raises significant ethical and legal questions rooted in Islamic Sharīʻah. This study explores the compatibility of milk banking with Islamic jurisprudence, focusing on the principles of raḍāʿah (milk kinship) and its implications for lineage and familial relationships. Employing a multidisciplinary approach, the research examines classical Islamic texts, contemporary fatāwā (religious verdicts), and modern medical practices related to milk banking. The findings highlight a spectrum of scholarly opinions, from outright prohibition due to concerns over lineage ambiguity to conditional permissibility based on necessity and strict regulation of donor identity. The study also addresses potential frameworks for implementing mother milk banks in compliance with Islamic principles, such as maintaining accurate records of milk donors and recipients. By balancing public health benefits with Islamic ethical concerns, this research aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how milk banking can be contextualized and adapted within Muslim communities. The conclusions offer practical guidelines for policymakers, healthcare providers, and religious authorities seeking to harmonize modern healthcare practices with Islamic values.