Rada (fiqh)

Rada (fiqh) is a concept in Islamic law that refers to a practice where a woman breastfeeds a child who is not her own, in order to establish a relationship that is similar to that of a mother and child. Basically, it means that if a woman breastfeeds a baby who is not biologically related to her, then that baby can become her "milk-child" in Islam.

Now, why is this important? Well, in Islam, there are certain rules around who can and cannot marry each other. For example, a man cannot marry his sister or his mother. However, if a woman breastfeeds a baby who is not her biological child, then that baby becomes her "milk-child" and she becomes like a mother to that baby. This means that certain rules around marriage no longer apply to that baby and their "milk-mother".

It's also important to note that rada is not just about giving a baby milk. It's about establishing a bond between the woman and the baby, so that they become like family. This relationship is seen as equal to biological relationships and carries the same rights and responsibilities as other familial relationships in Islam.

However, it's worth mentioning that there are certain rules and conditions around rada, such as how much milk needs to be given and for how long. These rules vary depending on the school of thought within Islam and can be quite complex.

Overall, rada is a concept in Islamic law that allows for the establishment of a familial bond between a woman and a baby, even if they are not biologically related. It provides a way for certain rules around marriage to be bypassed, and is seen as an important practice in Islam.