shall breastfeed their children for two full years, for whoever wishes to complete the breastfeeding period. The father is responsible for their provision and clothing.”

His words, “They shall breastfeed,” are declarative in form but convey a command. The meaning is that the mother is commanded to breastfeed the child for two full years if completion of the breastfeeding period is desired. If she wishes to complete it, she is commanded to do so, and the father is responsible for her provision and clothing. If the father wishes to complete it, he has that right, since weaning is permitted only with their mutual consent. This is indicated by His words, “For whoever wishes to complete the breastfeeding period.”

The word “whoever” may be understood as general, encompassing both parents, male and female alike. Thus, whichever parent wishes to complete the period, the mothers are to breastfeed on that parent’s behalf.

Alternatively, His words, “For whoever wishes to complete the breastfeeding period,” may refer specifically to the father—the one for whom the child is born and breastfed. The mother gives birth and breastfeeds on his behalf, as Allah Most High says, “If they breastfeed for you.” The mother’s relationship to him is like that of a hired worker to the employer. If the father wishes to complete the period, the mothers are to breastfeed on his behalf; if he wishes not to complete it, he may do so.

On this interpretation, the verse’s explicit wording commands the mothers to breastfeed the child when the father wishes it, while its implication also permits weaning by mutual consent. The case in which the mother alone wishes to complete the period remains unaddressed. However, the implication of His words, “By mutual consent,” is that weaning is not permissible in that case, as Mujāhid and others have stated. Yet this case is covered by His words:

“If they breastfeed for you, then give them their payment.”

For if she breastfeeds for the full year, she has done so on his behalf, thereby sparing him the burden of feeding the child. Were it not for her breastfeeding, he would have to feed the child something else.