Translation Zakariya Al-Ansari's Additions to "Al-Minhaj" on "Minhaj al-Talibin" by Al-Nawawi in the Chapter on Breastfeeding

Abstract

This study addresses Zakariya Al-Ansari’s additions in Al-Minhaj on Minhaj al-Talibin by Al-Nawawi, specifically compiling and analyzing them in the chapter on breastfeeding. The aim is to identify, catalogue, verify, and clarify these additions made by Al-Ansari, specify their types, understand their benefits, assess their impact on Islamic jurisprudence, highlight their significance within the Shafi'i school of thought, and examine which scholars from the school accepted or opposed them, along with their implications in contemporary times. The study comprises an introduction, preface, two main sections, and a conclusion. The preface introduces both scholars and their works, as well as defines the concept of “addition.” The first section is dedicated to the additions related to the pillars of breastfeeding, while the second section discusses additions concerning the rulings of breastfeeding. It includes eleven jurisprudential issues in which these additions and their impact on jurisprudence are presented. Among the study’s findings is the confirmation of the prohibition of breastfeeding (in certain cases) when the milk is delivered through the throat or nose, according to Al-Nawawi, while Al-Ansari stipulates that the milk must reach the child’s stomach or brain. Additionally, it was found that if a woman breastfeeds a child while asleep, her dowry is forfeited in full due to her action, and no compensation is required from the wet nurse. For Al-Ansari, the ruling applies equally to an awake, silent woman, equating her status to that of the sleeping woman. The study recommends continuing the project of cataloging Zakariya Al-Ansari’s additions in remaining chapters of jurisprudence, expanding the discussion to include all four Islamic schools of thought.