Recommended Time Period of Breastfeeding

Alla-h (swt) mentions in Surat al-Baqarah, Verse 233:

“Mothers shall suckle their children for two full years, - that for such as desire to complete the suckling.”

And in Surat al-Ahqa-f, Verse 15, He states:

“And his gestation and weaning take thirty months”

As outlined in the above verses, the recommended time in Islam for breastfeeding is approximately two years. It is also apparent from traditions, that the period of breastfeeding of Ima-m Husain (as) was also 24 months. 231

The Ahlul Bayt (as) have several recommendations on the period of breastfeeding. In some traditions, it has been narrated that breastfeeding for less than 21 months is counted as oppression and aggression against the child. 232 In other traditions, breastfeeding for 21 months is seen as necessary and a must. 233 Similarly, it is narrated in traditions that breastfeeding for more than two years is also forbidden. 234

Notes:

231 Mustadrak al-Wasa-il, vol. 15, pg. 157, no. 17848

232 Tahdhib al-Bala-gha, vol. 8, pg. 106, no. 6

233 Ibid., vol. 8, pg. 106, no. 7

234 Ibid., vol. 8, pg. 105, no. 4

Adapted from the book: "From Marriage to Parenthood; The Heavenly Path" by: "Abbas and Shahin Merali"