Meaning

Is the ruling of "two complete years" abrogated?

Answer

Imām Ibn al-Jawzī (d. 597/1201) summarized the scholars' opinions in his book "Zād al-Masīr" as follows:

Some said it is operative (muḥkam), and its purpose is to clarify the period of breastfeeding. There are several rulings attached to it: (i) It clarifies when breastfeeding is complete. (ii) It obligates the father to provide the expenses for breastfeeding during the two years, and the judge can enforce this. (iii) It shows that the foster relations due to breastfeeding can be established within the two-year period but not beyond.

It has been reported from Qatādah, al-Rabīʿ ibn Anas, and others that it is abrogated by the verse: "But if both desire weaning through mutual consent" (Qurʾān 2:233)

ʿAlī ibn ʿUbayd Allāh, commented: This is a farfetched view because Allah, Almighty, said at the beginning: "For those who desire to complete the period of nursing" (2:233). Then, in the latter part, He said: "But if both desire weaning through mutual consent," giving a choice between the two desires, and this does not conflict with the specified duration for completion.

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Verses cited

2:233 Al-Baqarah ۞ وَٱلْوَٰلِدَٰتُ يُرْضِعْنَ أَوْلَـٰدَهُنَّ حَوْلَيْنِ كَامِلَيْنِ ۖ لِمَنْ أَرَادَ أَن يُتِمَّ ٱلرَّضَاعَةَ ۚ وَعَلَى ٱلْمَوْلُودِ لَهُۥ رِزْقُهُنَّ وَكِسْوَتُهُنَّ بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ ۚ لَا تُكَلَّفُ نَفْسٌ إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا ۚ لَا تُضَآرَّ وَٰلِدَةٌۢ بِوَلَدِهَا وَلَا مَوْلُودٌ لَّهُۥ بِوَلَدِهِۦ ۚ وَعَلَى ٱلْوَارِثِ مِثْلُ ذَٰلِكَ ۗ فَإِنْ أَرَادَا فِصَالًا عَن تَرَاضٍ مِّنْهُمَا وَتَشَاوُرٍ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِمَا ۗ وَإِنْ أَرَدتُّمْ أَن تَسْتَرْضِعُوٓا۟ أَوْلَـٰدَكُمْ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْكُمْ إِذَا سَلَّمْتُم مَّآ ءَاتَيْتُم بِٱلْمَعْرُوفِ ۗ وَٱتَّقُوا۟ ٱللَّهَ وَٱعْلَمُوٓا۟ أَنَّ ٱللَّهَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَصِيرٌ Mothers suckle their children for two whole years, if they wish to complete the term, and clothing and maintenance must be borne by the father in a fair manner. No one should be burdened with more than they can bear: no mother shall be made to suffer harm on account of her child, nor any father on account of his. The same duty is incumbent on the father’s heir. If, by mutual consent and consultation, the couple wish to wean [the child], they will not be blamed, nor will there be any blame if you wish to engage a wet nurse, provided you pay as agreed in a fair manner. Be mindful of God, knowing that He sees everything you do.

Answer

Verses cited

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