۞ 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 233
Translations
Mothers may nurse [i.e., breastfeed] their children two complete years for whoever wishes to complete the nursing [period]. Upon the father is their [i.e., the mothers'] provision and their clothing according to what is acceptable. No person is charged with more than his capacity. No mother should be harmed through her child, and no father through his child. And upon the [father's] heir is [a duty] like that [of the father]. And if they both desire weaning through mutual consent from both of them and consultation, there is no blame upon either of them. And if you wish to have your children nursed by a substitute, there is no blame upon you as long as you give payment according to what is acceptable. And fear Allāh and know that Allāh is Seeing of what you do.
Transliteration
Wal-wālidātu yurḍi'na awlādahunna ḥawlayn kāmillayn, liman arāda an yutimma ar-raḍā'ah. Wa 'alā al-mawlūdi lahu rizquhunna wa kiswaatuhunna bil-ma'rūf. Lā tukallafu nafsun illā wus'ahā. Lā tuḍāra wālidatun biwaladihā wa lā mawlūdun lahu biwaladih. Wa 'alā al-wārith mithl dhālik. Fa-in arādā fiṣālan 'an tarāḍin minhumā wa tashāwur, falā junāḥa 'alayhimā. Wa in aradtum an tastariḍ'ū awlādakum falā junāḥa 'alaykum idhā sallamtum mā ātaytum bil-ma'rūf. Wa-ttaqū Allah wa'lamū anna-Allah bimā ta'malūn baṣīr.
Tafsir (Explanation)
This ayah establishes comprehensive rights and obligations regarding nursing (breastfeeding) and child-rearing between parents. It mandates that mothers may nurse their children for two complete years if they choose to complete the nursing period, while the father bears the responsibility of providing sustenance and clothing for both mother and child in a reasonable manner. The ayah emphasizes justice and prevents harm to either parent through exploitation, allowing for amicable early weaning if both parents consent and consult together, and permits hiring wet nurses if the payment is made honorably.
Revelation Context
This ayah was revealed in the Medinan period and addresses the social realities of the early Islamic community, establishing legal frameworks for family relations. It follows discussions on divorce (talaq) and provides comprehensive guidance on parental rights and child welfare, reflecting Islam's emphasis on family stability and the protection of vulnerable dependents. The context addresses disputes that arose regarding nursing rights, maintenance obligations, and guardianship responsibilities between divorced or separated parents.
Related Hadiths
The Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'The best of you are those who are best to their families, and I am the best among you to my family' (Jami' at-Tirmidhi). Additionally, the hadith in Sunan Abu Dawud regarding a woman's right to maintenance during nursing establishes practical applications of this ayah's principles.
Themes
Key Lesson
This ayah teaches that raising children is a shared responsibility requiring mutual respect, fair treatment, and honest negotiation between parents, while reminding both that Allah observes all dealings and holds us accountable for how we treat those dependent upon us. It emphasizes that Islamic law balances individual rights with communal obligations, and that even in matters of intimate family life, justice and the prevention of harm must be paramount.