Excerpt from the book "Wālidayn aur Aulād ke Ḥuqūq" by Shaykh Jāwēd Iqbāl Sīālkōṭī
Weaning Before Two Years Is Permissible by Mutual Consent
﴿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)
✔ 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.
❖ 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.
