233- MOTHERS ARE TO SUCKLE THEIR CHILDREN TWO COMPLETE YEARS, FOR THOSE WHO WISH TO COMPLETE THE SUCKLING, AND FATHERS HAVE THE RESPONSIBILITY OF FEEDING THEM AND CLOTHING THEM, WITH KINDNESS.   NO SOUL SHOULD BE CHARGED WITH MORE THAN IT CAN BEAR.  NO MOTHER SHOULD BE MADE TO SUFFER ON ACCOUNT OF HER CHILD, NOR SHOULD A FATHER BE MADE TO SUFFER ON ACCOUNT OF HIS CHILD, AND THE FATHER’S HEIR HAS THE SAME RESPONSIBILITY.  IF THEY DESIRE TO WEAN THE CHILD AFTER MUTUAL AGREEMENT AND CONSULTATION, THERE IS NO BLAME UPON THEM.  AND IF YOU WISH TO WET NURSE YOUR CHILDREN, THERE IS NO BLAME UPON YOU AS LONG AS YOU GIVE WHAT YOU WERE GIVEN KINDLY.  BE RIGHTEOUS AND GUARD YOURSELVES FROM ALLAH’S DISPLEASURE, AND KNOW THAT ALLAH SEES ALL THAT YOU DO.

This is more of the law concerning marriage and divorce.  This is concerning nursing a baby and breast feeding, in case the marriage is continuing, in case of divorce or in case of the death of the husband.

The full term for breast feeding is 2 years; however the infant may be weaned beforehand, by mutual agreement of both the husband and wife. 

The father or his main inheritor in case of his death, are responsible for the financial aspects; which is feeding and clothing of the mother during the breast feeding period. 

If the infant is given to a foster wet nurse, the father or his inheritor should pay her.  If the mother can not breast feed she will have to bottle feed.  The father or the inheritor should be responsible for the cost of bottle feeding.  

Then there is a general rule which is that a father or mother should not be made to suffer unjustly because of their children.  This does not mean that a father does not have to pay for them and look after them, or that a mother may abandon her children at the first sign of trouble.  It means however that parents should not be made to suffer and their children should never be used to make them suffer or to be hurt. Father and mother should not use their children to hurt each other.

We should observe these rules and laws in letter and in spirit. 

Again, Allah the Highest reminds us in relation with such circumstances that we should protect ourselves from displeasing Him if we disobey His Law; again, the spirit as well as the letter of the Law.