Fatwaa ID: 715

Question:

Assalamualaikum wr wb

I understand the time and effort required to find an answer.

Please inform what is the ruling regarding a mother nursing her baby in islam?

Is it fard to exclusively nurse till 2 years? During this time are solids allowed? Should there be mutual consent from both mother and father when solids are introduced? What happens if the father feeds the baby without the mother knowing? Will there be sin upon the mother?

If the mothers co-wife has milk flowing while her youngest child is at the age of 5, is she allowed to be a wet nurse for a baby even if the mother is providing adequate milk? Is she allowed to nurse the baby with the fathers approval only?

If a woman falls pregnant during the time she is nursing is she allowed to continue nursing her baby to reach that 2 year mark? What happens if within those two years she also delivers the second baby? Does she continue nursing the first baby or is that milk exclusive to the second child?

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

1. Mothers are strongly encouraged to breastfeed their babies. It creates a strong bond between the mother and the child and it is also beneficial from a health perspective.
2. A child may be breastfed up to two lunar years. It is not necessary to suffice on breastmilk only during this time period. Other foods that are suitable for the child, including solids, may be given. The parents may mutually agree and decide on what is best for the child. However, there is no need to take permission from the other in such cases.
3. A woman who is lactating may provide milk to other children who are below the age of two lunar years. This is irrespective of whether the mothers of the other children are producing adequate milk or not. In all cases, it is ideal to have mutual consent and understanding.
4. A pregnant mother may continue nursing her children who are below the age of two. If she has another baby while breastfeeding one, she will now breastfeed both of them. The milk is not exclusive to either children. Both are entitled to it.

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

08/02/1444 AH – 02/23/2023 CE

وصل اللهم وسلم وبارك على سيدنا محمد وعلى ءاله وصحبه أجمعين

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