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Is the two-year breastfeeding period calculated by the Hijri or Gregorian calendar to determine the weaning time?

1 min readAlso available in العربية

The year recognized by Islamic law (Sharia) is the lunar year, based on the Almighty's saying: ﴿Indeed, the number of months with Allah is twelve months in the Register of Allah, the day He created the heavens and the earth; of these, four are sacred. That is the correct religion.﴾ [At-Tawbah:36], and His saying concerning the crescents: ﴿They ask you, [O Muhammad], about the new moons. Say, "They are measurements of time for the people and for Hajj."﴾ [Al-Baqarah:189]. And the new moons are appointed times for people.

Regarding breastfeeding, it is permissible to wean before two years if both parents consult and agree for a [valid] interest, based on the Almighty's saying: ﴿And mothers shall breastfeed their children for two full years, for him who wishes to complete the nursing.﴾ [Al-Baqarah:233]. Accordingly, the girl can be weaned on October 8, 2008, corresponding to Shawwal 7, 1429 A.H.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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