A baby dying when the mother dozed while breastfeeding it

Q: Twenty years ago, my wife was breastfeeding my baby late at night when she fell asleep. In the morning, she found the baby dead under her breast. She says that the baby was sick before this. What is the ruling of Shari`ah (Islamic law) on her case? May Allah guide you! As-salamu `alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh (May Allah's Peace, Mercy, and Blessings be upon you!). (Part No. 21; Page No. 392


A: If the case is as you have mentioned, your wife caused the death of her baby by mistake when she gave him her breast and slept while leaving it in his mouth. Your wife rested her body on the baby, so he could not take his breath. She therefore must offer a Kaffarah (expiation) for involuntary manslaughter, which is freeing one believing slave. If there is no slave available, she must fast two consecutive months. Your wife must repent to Allah, seek His forgiveness for doing this and not do it again in the future.May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.

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