And “breastfeeding that unquestionably establishes a marriage prohibition” consists of five feeds: the child takes the breast and drinks, then releases it, then takes it and drinks again, then releases it—even if this occurs within a single period, such as his morning or evening meal. Fewer than five feeds do not establish a marriage prohibition according to the school of al-Shāfi‘ī.

Another view is that any amount, whether little or much, establishes the prohibition, as held by Abū Hanīfah and Mālik. A third view is that no fewer than three feeds establish it. All three views are reported from Ahmad, but the first is the best-known position reported from him, on account of the hadith of ‘Ā’ishah in the two Sahīhs:

“Among what was revealed in the Quran was that ten feeds established a marriage prohibition. This was then abrogated by five feeds, and the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, died while this remained the ruling.”

The Musnad and other works also report that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, instructed a woman to breastfeed a person five times so that marriage to her would become forbidden to him.

“Breastfeeding that establishes a marriage prohibition” is that which takes place within the first two years, for the full breastfeeding period is two complete years, as Allah Most High says:

“Mothers shall breastfeed their children for two full years, for those who wish to complete the period of breastfeeding.”

What occurs after the completion of the breastfeeding period does not count as breastfeeding. Thus, the majority of scholars, including the four imams and others, hold that breastfeeding an adult has no legal effect. They cite the report in the two Sahīhs from ‘Ā’ishah, who said:

“The Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, came in while a man was with me. He asked, ‘Who is this, ‘Ā’ishah?’ I replied, ‘My brother through breastfeeding.’ He said, ‘O ‘Ā’ishah, be mindful of whom you women regard as your brothers! Breastfeeding counts only when it satisfies hunger.’”

Al-Tirmidhī narrated from Umm Salamah that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Only breastfeeding that fills the intestines while the child is at the breast, and takes place before weaning, establishes a marriage prohibition.”

His words “at the breast” mean during the period of breastfeeding, namely the first two years, as stated