Breastfeeding is highly recommended in Islam. The holy Qur’an which is the seal of revelation of God and

which is the main source of Islamic epistemology regards breastfeeding as a sign of love and affection between

the mother and the child. Therefore, it is not a surprise that the holy Qur’an and the saying of Prophet

Muhammad (s.aw) have provided the optimal period of 24 months for breastfeeding, and the modern scientific

findings conclude that this period fulfills the mental and physical health of the baby. In the most serious note,

studies show that proper breastfeeding prevents cardiovascular diseases and diabetes in adulthood. Therefore,

the emphasis of the holy Qur’an and the Prophetic hadiths on breastfeeding and its duration are comprehensive

recommendation to preserve mother and baby’s health. Furthermore, breastfeeding, from God Almighty, is so

important that He commands men to provide all the expenses of food and clothing during breastfeeding so that

the mothers can breastfeed the baby with peace of mind. Thus, this article will explore the importance of

In Islam, breastfeeding is part of the innate nature that Allah has instilled in His creation. It has been practiced

by people of all races, regions, and religions throughout history. In the various chapters of the holy Qur’an,

Allah mentions the unique relationship between mother and child in a beautiful story and likewise, the

prophetic Sunnah has also affirmed the importance of breastfeeding in the various authentic Hadiths. Thus,

this article will explore the importance of breastfeeding in tawhidic worldview, and the Quranic approach is

applied to achieve the objectives of the article. Finally. A brief conclusion followed.

According to National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (2009), Breastfeeding or nursing is

the process by which human breast milk is fed to a child. This process might be directly from the mother’s

breast or indirectly expressed by hand or pumped and fed to the baby. Based on this fact, the World Health

related to their Divine Origin. .

It implies that, knowledge of breastfeeding can be well understood and acquire through the sealed of

reason). Obviously, the holy Qur’an confirmed the importance of breastfeeding and its benefits in its various

chapters, and the modern science with particular reference to modern medicine has also attested the claim of

recommended if the mother is able to breastfeed.

Breastfeeding is very clearly encouraged in the Qur'an:

"Mothers shall breastfeed their children for two whole years, for those who wish to complete the term" (2:233).

Therefore, the holy Qur’an strongly recommends breastfeeding but recognizes that for various reasons,

parents may be unable or unwilling to complete the recommended two years. The decision about breastfeeding

and the time of weaning is expected to be a mutual decision by both parents, in consideration of what is best

for their family.

On this point, the Qur'an says:

learn that the complete term of suckling is two years. He also explained that the ayah indicates that both

parents must agree to wean the baby before the prescribed period. If they wish to continue, but the mother does

not want to bear the burden, the father can hire a wet nurse. A mother is not forced to continue to breastfeed

and the father or his heirs (in case of his death) are responsible for paying for the baby’s sustenance. .

Interestingly, the World Health Organization and UNICEF also recommend breastfeeding infants up to two

years of age.

Thus, according to the Qur'anic verse quoted above, it is considered a child's right to be breastfed until the

approximate age of two. This is a general guideline; one may wean before or after that time by mutual consent

of the parents. In case of divorce before the weaning of a child is complete, the father is obligated to make

Similarly, in surah Al- Ahqaf, the Qur’an mentioned that “"And we recommend man to his parents of

kindness. His mother got pregnant to him with great burden and gave birth to him with suffering. Getting

pregnant and breastfeeding duration is 30 months for complete growth."

born in 9th month is 21 months. And more importantly, if a child was born in less than 9 month or early,

breastfeeding him/her for a total time period of 30 months minus the pregnancy duration is quite enough to

compatible with modern science.

In nutshell, in tawhidic Worldview, breastfeeding is a command to mothers, and the scholars find out its

importance to the infants, they conclude in their various researches that one part of breastfeeding is

obligatory, which is the yellow substance (colostrum) that is produced at the beginning of breastfeeding, and

which is known medically to be of great benefit in building the immune system of the child etc. Undoubtedly

in carrying out the commands of Allah there is great blessing.

follows that the mother should always consume halal food and she should earn halal income for the sake of the

breastfeeding baby in this world and in the hereafter.

In another hadith of Sahih Muslim

It was narrated that 'Aishah said: "Sahlah bint Suhail came to the Prophet (s.a.w) and said: 'O Messenger of

Allah, I see (signs of displeasure) on the face of Abu Hudhaifah when Salim- who was his-ally - comes in. The

Prophet (s.a.w) said: 'Breastfeed him.' She said: 'How can I breastfeed him? He is a grown man.' The

Messenger of Allah (s.a.w) smiled and said: 'I know that he is a grown man."' 'Amr added in his Hadith: "He

was one of those who had been present at Badr.'' In the report of Ibn Abi 'Umar: "The Messenger of Allah

(s.a.w) laughed.''

(Sahih Muslim Book - 17, Hadith – 3600).

baby. In fact, it is part of innate nature that Allah has instilled in His creation. In the most serious notes,

breastfeeding is the source of a strong bond and lovely relation between the mother and the baby. As such, its

benefits are more than artificial milks or cow milk. According to Dr. Ruth Petersen, director of CDC’s

Division of Nutrition, Physical Activity, and Obesity, said,

“Breastfeeding provides unmatched health benefits for babies and mothers. It is the clinical gold standard for

infant feeding and nutrition, with breast milk uniquely tailored to meet the health needs of a growing baby. We

must do more to create supportive and safe environments for mothers who choose to breastfeed.”

Thus, from the Tawhidic point of view, Allah the Most Omnipotent and the Most Omniscience has

recommended the breastfeeding in the various chapter of the holy Qur’an; because breastfeeding has more

advantages and more benefits than the artificial milk; it contains blessings and strong bond between the mother

and the infant. Perhaps, based on the above tawhidic fact, the present World Health Organization (WHO)

always emphasizes on the importance of exclusive breastfeeding for the newborn babies for the sake of their

milk particularly in the early months of birth of infants. Indeed, in the most serious note, the wisdom of Allah

on the creating child’s nutrition in his mother’s milk has been proven by modern science which indicates the

compatibility of the revelation (holy Qur’an) and the modern science.

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5. Imam Malik. Al- Muwatta’ Book 47: Good Character Hadith no: 47.1.8

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