Is it permissible for a husband to compel his wife to breastfeed their son for two full years while providing the usual food, and is she entitled to demand money in return for that, especially since the wife does not suffer from illnesses and is bothered by the child's nocturnal crying?
Scholars have differed on whether breastfeeding is a right of the mother that she may waive or an obligation upon her. However, completing the two full years is not obligatory if it does not harm the child and both parents agree. It is not the right of the wife to demand money in exchange for breastfeeding as long as she is within the marital bond, because it is an obligation upon her. However, if she needs additional expenses due to breastfeeding, the husband is obligated to provide for her sufficiently. There is no harm if the husband gives her money as an encouragement. As for the divorced woman, she is not compelled to breastfeed, by consensus.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Original fatwa ID
- 58007
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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