Al-Baqara 2:233
The Cow · ayah 233 of 286
Walwalidatu yurdiAAnaawladahunna hawlayni kamilayni liman aradaan yutimma arradaAAata waAAala almawloodilahu rizquhunna wakiswatuhunna bilmaAAroofi latukallafu nafsun illa wusAAaha la tudarrawalidatun biwaladiha wala mawloodun lahubiwaladihi waAAala alwarithi mithlu thalikafa-in arada fisalan AAan taradinminhuma watashawurin fala junahaAAalayhima wa-in aradtum an tastardiAAoo awladakumfala junaha AAalaykum itha sallamtum maataytum bilmaAAroofi wattaqoo AllahawaAAlamoo anna Allaha bima taAAmaloona baseer
Saheeh International translation
Other English translations
Abdel Haleem (Oxford)+
"Mothers suckle their children for two whole years, if they wish to complete the term, and clothing and maintenance must be borne by the father in a fair manner. No one should be burdened with more than they can bear: no mother shall be made to suffer harm on account of her child, nor any father on account of his. The same duty is incumbent on the father’s heir. If, by mutual consent and consultation, the couple wish to wean [the child], they will not be blamed, nor will there be any blame if you wish to engage a wet nurse, provided you pay as agreed in a fair manner. Be mindful of God, knowing that He sees everything you do."
Pickthall (classic)+
"Mothers shall suckle their children for two whole years; (that is) for those who wish to complete the suckling. The duty of feeding and clothing nursing mothers in a seemly manner is upon the father of the child. No-one should be charged beyond his capacity. A mother should not be made to suffer because of her child, nor should he to whom the child is born (be made to suffer) because of his child. And on the (father's) heir is incumbent the like of that (which was incumbent on the father). If they desire to wean the child by mutual consent and (after) consultation, it is no sin for them; and if ye wish to give your children out to nurse, it is no sin for you, provide that ye pay what is due from you in kindness. Observe your duty to Allah, and know that Allah is Seer of what ye do."
Yusuf Ali (classic)+
"The mothers shall give such to their offspring for two whole years, if the father desires to complete the term. But he shall bear the cost of their food and clothing on equitable terms. No soul shall have a burden laid on it greater than it can bear. No mother shall be Treated unfairly on account of her child. Nor father on account of his child, an heir shall be chargeable in the same way. If they both decide on weaning, by mutual consent, and after due consultation, there is no blame on them. If ye decide on a foster-mother for your offspring, there is no blame on you, provided ye pay (the mother) what ye offered, on equitable terms. But fear Allah and know that Allah sees well what ye do."