A Comparative Interpretation of "the mothers should suckle" (Quran 2:233)

The verse "Mothers shall suckle their children for two whole years; (that is) for those who wish to complete the suckling…</em> (Quran 2:233) is one of the key and important verses on suckling. In this verse, Allah explains the duties of parents and gives other details concerning breastfeeding. In addition to the issues raised in this verse, this verse is cited by scholars in their discussion concerning the spread of prohibition through breastfeeding which is why it is of particular importance among Muslim denominations. This article studies the verse comparatively according to the exegetes of the two branches of faith. As it becomes clear from the research method, the verse is studied based on some jurisprudential sources and all the interpretations of Ayāt al-Aḥkām (legal verses) available to both the branches of faith. When it comes to the content analysis of the verse, the majority of the scholars of the two schools believe that breastfeeding is not obligatory for the mother; it is a right for the child. The phrase "two whole years" does not mean that it is obligatory to observe this period, and different denominations have differed in expressing the minimum and maximum duration of breastfeeding. There is no difference as to the obligation of the father to pay alimony during breastfeeding. Most Muslim jurists believe that it is permissible to wean a child before or after the age of two if the parents wish to do so. In the event that the mother is unable to breastfeed her child for some reason, the father can leave the child to another woman. Shiite and Sunni jurists differ on whether the wages are paid to the mother of the child or to the breastfeeding woman. If a woman suckles a child with the conditions which are mentioned in the books of Islamic laws, that child, arguably, becomes Mahram.