Breastfeeding beyond 2 years

Question: Will it be sinful to continue breastfeeding a child after he has turned 2? The child has turned 2 and it has been difficult to wean him off. بِسْمِ اللهِ الرَّحْمنِ الرَّحِيْم In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful

Answer:

The maximum period of breastfeeding is 2 lunar years. Therefore, to breastfeed beyond this duration is not permissible. However, if there is a valid excuse and need to breastfeed longer than that, e.g. the child will not eat or drink anything else besides the mother’s milk and refusing him milk would be harmful to his health, then there is leeway in breastfeeding until 2.5 lunar years (30 lunar months). To breastfeed beyond 2.5 lunar years is prohibited and sinful. We advise that you continue to wean him and consult your doctor for advice and tips.

Raddul Muhtar: v. 4, p. 393-397 (Maktaba Imdadia); Fatawa Hindiya: v. 1, p. 376 (DKI); Kitabun Nawazil: v. 8, p. 254-255 (Darul Isha’at); Bahishti Zewar: p. 389 (DARUL-ISHAAT)

Only Allah knows best

Written by Maulana Mohammad Ahsan Osmani Checked and approved by Mufti Mohammed Tosir Miah Darul Ifta Birmingham