Fatwa ID: 03778

Answered by: Alimah Sumeyye Sofu

Question

Assalamualaikum,

What is the time limit to breastfeed a baby girl and baby boy?

بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم

In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

Allah (SWA) in the Holy Quran has said; We commanded man (to be good) in respect of his parents. His mother carried him (in her womb) despite weakness upon weakness, *and his weaning is in two years.* (We said to man,) “Be grateful to Me, and to your parents. To Me is the ultimate return (Surat Luqman 14).

“And mothers suckle their children full two years; it is for one who wants to complete the (period of) suckling.”(Surah Baqarah v.233).

From the above verses, we can deduce that the total time given for suckling is for two lunar years after which suckling should not be done. 

However, on the basis of some verses of the Holy Quran and reports from the ahadith, Imam Abu Hanifah (RA) ruled that if it was carried on over a period of 30 months all the legal effects of suckling should be applicable. 

“And his carrying and his weaning are (in) thirty months…” (Surat Al-Ahqaf 15).

But breastfeeding a child after completing 30 months is unanimously haraam.[1]

For more information, please check the following website; https://daruliftabirmingham.co.uk/maximum-period-of-breast-feeding/

Only Allah knows best

Written by Alimah Sumeyye Sofu

Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah

Darul Ifta Birmingham