Fatwaa ID: 983

Question:
Assalamualikum Mufti,

I have an urgent question regarding breastfeeding. My daughter just turned 2. I’ve been breastfeeding her for the past 2 years and I plan to continue to until she is 2.5 years old.

I know breastfeeding mothers are exempt from fasting if they fear harm for themselves or their child or a decrease in milk supply.

Now obviously my daughter isn’t surviving off of my milk anymore. I am attempting fasting but I have to say I feel like breastfeeding takes a lot of energy out of me. She does still nurse quite often even now. Can I be exempt from breastfeeding?

Answer:
In the Name of Allaah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.
As-salaamu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullaahi wa-barakaatuh.

May Allaah Ta’aala bless your daughter and make her the coolness of your eyes.

Breastfeeding is only permitted up to 2 lunar years of age. You cannot breastfeed her beyond that. If you have already, then istighfaar must be made. In the enquired situation, it is not permissible for you to breastfeed your daughter any more, even a drop more. You are not exempt from fasting. You must observe the fast.

And Allaah Ta’aala knows best.
Mufti Muajul I. Chowdhury
Darul Iftaa New York
https://askthemufti.us/

وصل اللهم وسلم وبارك على سيدنا محمد وعلى ءاله وصحبه أجمعين

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