Breastfeeding as a Fundamental Islamic Human Right

Area of Science:

• Islamic Studies
• Public Health
• Pediatrics

Background:

• Religious beliefs and values significantly shape cultural practices, including infant feeding.
• Breastfeeding holds a unique position within Islamic tradition, viewed as a natural right.
• Existing research may not fully capture the intersection of Islamic teachings and breastfeeding behaviors.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the religious, moral, and spiritual dimensions of breastfeeding within Islam.
• To analyze Islamic legal and ethical perspectives on breastfeeding.
• To provide an overview of how Islamic ideals can enhance neonatal, prenatal, and pediatric care.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of Islamic texts and scholarly articles on breastfeeding.
• Analysis of religious, moral, and spiritual understandings of breastfeeding in Islam.
• Exploration of Islamic law and ethics pertaining to lactation and infant feeding.

Main Results:

• Breastfeeding is deeply integrated with the Islamic faith and its value system.
• Islamic principles support breastfeeding as a fundamental natural right.
• Understanding religious ideals can improve health education and exclusive breastfeeding rates among Muslims.

Conclusions:

• Mapping Islamic religious ideals is crucial for advancing neonatal, prenatal, and pediatric practices.
• Further empirical studies are needed to understand Muslim perceptions and adherence to religious breastfeeding teachings.
• A religious discourse can further support human lactation and breastfeeding as a basic right within Muslim communities.