Is a master permitted to use his female slave for nursing a child other than her own, even if she has a surplus of milk beyond her own child's needs?
Chapter on Maintenance of Slaves
Al-Mughni
Book of Maintenance (Nafaqāt)
Primary text
A master is not permitted to use his female slave for nursing a child other than her own if it diminishes the milk needed for her own child, as this causes harm by reducing the sufficiency for her offspring and diverting milk meant for him while he needs it. This is impermissible, mirroring the prohibition against reducing provisions for an older child. However, if there is a surplus of milk beyond what her own child requires, it is permissible for the master to utilize it, as it is his property, and the child has no further need for it, analogous to surplus earnings or milk remaining after the child's death.