Smart Contracts in Shariah-Compliant Human Milk Sharing

Abstract

This article explores the integration of smart contracts and blockchain technology in supporting Shariah-compliant human milk sharing. Donor milk sharing in Muslim communities presents unique challenges due to the Islamic concept of milk kinship, which establishes familial bonds through breastfeeding and influences marriage eligibility. Traditional recordkeeping practices related to human milk sharing (HMS) are either rarely practiced or lack systematic implementation, increasing the risk of unintentional violations of milk kinship rules and undermining trust in donor milk programs. This study aims to examine how blockchain-enabled smart contracts can address these gaps in a Shariah-compliant manner. Through a conceptual analysis drawing from Islamic jurisprudence and existing blockchain literature, this study discusses the mechanisms by which smart contracts can automate consent, verify donor and recipient identities and preserve kinship records. The discussion reveals that smart contracts offer a promising framework that aligns with Islamic principles of transparency, trust and privacy in managing milk kinship. Ultimately, this research highlights a meaningful intersection of faith, ethics and technology, offering a foundation for Shariah-compliant and ethically sound healthcare practices.