Excerpt from the book “Wālidayn aur Aulād ke Ḥuqūq” by Shaykh Jāwēd Iqbāl Sīālkōṭī
❖ Topic:
Weaning Before Two Years Is Permissible by Mutual Consent
✿ Quranic Verse:
﴿فَإِنْ أَرَادَا فِصَالًا عَن تَرَاضٍ مِّنْهُمَا وَتَشَاوُرٍ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِمَا﴾
“Then if both desire weaning by mutual consent and consultation, there is no sin upon them.”
📖 Surah al-Baqarah (2:233)
✅ Key Ruling:
✔ Although the maximum duration for breastfeeding is two complete years,
this verse permits weaning the child earlier, if both parents agree after mutual consultation.
✔ Islam provides flexibility and consideration for the needs of the child, the health of the mother, and family circumstances.
❖ Practical Implications:
- If both parents agree—either for early weaning or feeding through another woman—it is completely permissible.
- There is no sin or blame, provided the decision is made with mutual understanding and care.
❖ Scholarly Benefit:
- The verse shows Islam’s balanced and humane approach to parenting.
- Decisions regarding the child should be mutual and well-considered, not arbitrary or one-sided.
