What does Islam teach about breastfeeding and maternity rights?

The Quran directly addresses a mother's role and rights around childbirth and nursing. It recommends mothers breastfeed their children for two complete years for those who wish to complete the nursing period, while placing the financial responsibility for the mother's food and clothing during this time on the child's father, according to what is reasonable (2:233). The same verse explicitly states that a mother should not be made to suffer harm on account of her child, nor a father on account of his — an early protection against a mother being pressured, mistreated, or financially squeezed during nursing and early motherhood. If a couple chooses to have another woman nurse the child instead, the verse states no blame is attached provided fair payment is made, an early recognition of legitimate alternative maternity arrangements. Islamic tradition also treats a mother's efforts in pregnancy, childbirth, and nursing as spiritually elevated, with the Prophet ﷺ repeatedly emphasizing the immense reward and honor attached to a mother's hardship in raising her children. Practically, classical scholars discussed a nursing mother's right to rest, adequate nutrition, and family support, treating maternity as a period requiring active care and provision, not one she must simply endure unsupported.

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