Sam Gerrans - The Qur'an: A Complete Revelation

And mothers shall suckle their children two complete years, for such as wish to complete the suckling. And upon the father is their provision and their clothing, according to what is fitting. No soul is burdened save to its capacity. A mother shall not be hurt by her child, nor a father by his child. And upon the heir is the like of that. And if they desire weaning by mutual consent and consultation between them, then they do no wrong. And if you desire to seek one to suckle your children, then you do no wrong when you deliver what you have brought according to what is fitting. And be in prudent fear of God, and know that God sees what you do.

وَالْوَالِدَاتُ يُرْضِعْنَ اَوْلَادَهُنَّ حَوْلَيْنِ كَامِلَيْنِ لِمَنْ اَرَادَ اَنْ يُـتِمَّ الرَّضَاعَةَۜ وَعَلَى الْمَوْلُودِ لَهُ رِزْقُهُنَّ وَكِسْوَتُهُنَّ بِالْمَعْرُوفِۜ لَا تُكَلَّفُ نَفْسٌ اِلَّا وُسْعَهَاۚ لَا تُضَٓارَّ وَالِدَةٌ بِوَلَدِهَا وَلَا مَوْلُودٌ لَهُ بِوَلَدِه۪ وَعَلَى الْوَارِثِ مِثْلُ ذٰلِكَۚ فَاِنْ اَرَادَا فِصَالاً عَنْ تَرَاضٍ مِنْهُمَا وَتَشَاوُرٍ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْهِمَاۜ وَاِنْ اَرَدْتُمْ اَنْ تَسْتَرْضِعُٓوا اَوْلَادَكُمْ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيْكُمْ اِذَا سَلَّمْتُمْ مَٓا اٰتَيْتُمْ بِالْمَعْرُوفِۜ وَاتَّقُوا اللّٰهَ وَاعْلَمُٓوا اَنَّ اللّٰهَ بِمَا تَعْمَلُونَ بَص۪يرٌ
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
#wordmeaningroot
1wal-wālidātuAnd the mothersولد
2yur'ḍiʿ'nashall suckleرضع
3awlādahunnatheir childrenولد
4ḥawlayni(for) two yearsحول
5kāmilaynicompleteكمل
6limanfor whoever
7arādawishesرود
8anto
9yutimmacompleteتمم
10l-raḍāʿatathe sucklingرضع
11waʿalāAnd upon
12l-mawlūdithe fatherولد
13lahu(on) him
14riz'quhunna(is) their provisionرزق
15wakis'watuhunnaand their clothingكسو
16bil-maʿrūfiin a fair mannerعرف
17Not
18tukallafuis burdenedكلف
19nafsunany soulنفس
20illāexcept
21wus'ʿahāits capacityوسع
22Not
23tuḍārramade to sufferضرر
24wālidatun(the) motherولد
25biwaladihābecause of her childولد
26walāand not
27mawlūdun(the) fatherولد
28lahu(be)
29biwaladihibecause of his childولد
30waʿalāAnd on
31l-wārithithe (father's) heirورث
32mith'lu(is a duty) likeمثل
33dhālikathat (of the father)
34fa-inThen if
35arādāthey both desireرود
36fiṣālanweaningفصل
37ʿanthrough
38tarāḍinmutual consentرضو
39min'humāof both of them
40watashāwurinand consultationشور
41falāthen no
42junāḥablameجنح
43ʿalayhimāon both of them
44wa-inAnd if
45aradttumyou wantرود
46anto
47tastarḍiʿūask another women to suckleرضع
48awlādakumyour childولد
49falāthen (there is) no
50junāḥablameجنح
51ʿalaykumon you
52idhāwhen
53sallamtumyou payسلم
54what
55ātaytumyou giveاتي
56bil-maʿrūfiin a fair mannerعرف
57wa-ittaqūAnd fearوقي
58l-lahaAllah
59wa-iʿ'lamūand knowعلم
60annathat
61l-lahaAllah
62bimāof what
63taʿmalūnayou doعمل
64baṣīrun(is) All-Seerبصر
  • Aisha Bewley

    Mothers should nurse their children for two full years – for those who wish to complete the full term of nursing. It is the duty of the fathers to feed and clothe them with correctness and courtesy – no self is charged with more than it can bear. No mother should be put under pressure in respect of her child nor any father in respect of his child. The same duty is incumbent on the heir. If the couple both wish weaning to take place after mutual agreement and consultation, there is nothing wrong in their doing so. If you wish to find wet-nurses for your children, there is nothing wrong in your doing so provided you hand over to them what you have agreed to give with correctness and courtesy. Have taqwa of Allah and know that Allah sees what you do.

  • Progressive Muslims

    And the divorced mothers are allowed to suckle their children two full years, if they wish to complete the suckling. And the man for whom the child is born is responsible for both their provisions and clothing equitably. We do not burden a soul beyond its means. No mother shall be harmed because of her child, nor shall a father be harmed because of his child. And for the guardian is the same requirement. So if they wish to separate out of mutual agreement and council, then there is no sin upon them. And if you want to hire nursing mothers, then there is no sin upon you if you return what you have been given equitably. And be aware of God, and know that God is watching over what you do.

  • Shabbir Ahmed

    If the (divorced) mothers wish to nurse their infants, the father shall provide for the mother's sustenance and clothing equitably up to two years of nursing. No human being shall be burdened with more than he or she is well able to bear. No mother shall be made to suffer because of her child, nor shall a father be made to suffer because of his child. If the father dies, his heir will assume these responsibilities. If both parents decide with mutual consent, there shall be nothing wrong in entrusting your children to foster-mothers. You shall mutually ensure, in a fair manner, the safety of the child you are handing over. Be mindful of Allah's Laws and know that Allah is Seer of all that you do.

  • Sam Gerrans The Qur'an: A Complete Revelation

    And mothers shall suckle their children two complete years, for such as wish to complete the suckling. And upon the father is their provision and their clothing, according to what is fitting. No soul is burdened save to its capacity. A mother shall not be hurt by her child, nor a father by his child. And upon the heir is the like of that. And if they desire weaning by mutual consent and consultation between them, then they do no wrong. And if you desire to seek one to suckle your children, then you do no wrong when you deliver what you have brought according to what is fitting. And be in prudent fear of God, and know that God sees what you do.

  • The Monotheist Group The Quran: A Monotheist Translation

    And the divorced mothers are allowed to suckle their children two full years, if they wish to complete the suckling. And the man for whom the child is born is responsible for both their provisions and clothing equitably. A soul is not burdened except with what it can bear. No mother shall be harmed because of her child, nor shall a father be harmed because of his child. And for the guardian is the same requirement. So if they wish to separate out of mutual agreement and counsel, then there is no sin upon them. And if you want to hire nursing mothers, then there is no sin upon you if you return what you have been given equitably. And be aware of God, and know that God is watching over what you do.

  • Edip-Layth Quran: A Reformist Translation

    The birth mothers suckle their children two full years, for those who wish to complete the suckling. The man for whom the child is born is responsible for both their provisions and clothing equitably. A person should not be burdened beyond its means. No mother shall be harmed because of her child, nor shall a father be harmed because of his child. For the guardian is the same requirement. So if they wish to separate out of mutual agreement and council, then there is no blame on them. If you want to hire nursing mothers, then there is no blame on you if you return what you have been given according to the recognized norms. Be conscientious of God, and know that God is watching over what you do.

  • Rashad Khalifa The Final Testament

    Divorced mothers shall nurse their infants two full years, if the father so wishes. The father shall provide the mother's food and clothing equitably. No one shall be burdened beyond his ability. No mother shall be harmed on account of her infant, nor shall the father be harmed because of his infant. (If the father dies), his inheritor shall assume these responsibilities. If the infant's parents mutually agree to part, after due consultation, they commit no error by doing so. You commit no error by hiring nursing mothers, so long as you pay them equitably. You shall observe GOD, and know that GOD is Seer of everything you do.

  • Mohamed Ahmed - Samira

    The mothers should suckle their babies for a period of two years for those (fathers) who wish that they should complete the suckling, in which case they should feed them and clothe them in a befitting way; but no soul should be compelled beyond capacity, neither the mother made to suffer for the child nor the father for his offspring. The same holds good for the heir of the father (if he dies). If they wish to wean the child by mutual consent there is no harm. And if you wish to engage a wet nurse you may do so if you pay her an agreed amount as is customary. But fear God, and remember that God sees all that you do.

  • Sahih International (Umm Muhammad, Mary Kennedy, Amatullah Bantley)

    Mothers may breastfeed their children two complete years for whoever wishes to complete the nursing . Upon the father is the mothers' provision and their clothing according to what is acceptable. No person is charged with more than his capacity. No mother should be harmed through her child, and no father through his child. And upon the heir is like that . And if they both desire weaning through mutual consent from both of them and consultation, there is no blame upon either of them. And if you wish to have your children nursed by a substitute, there is no blame upon you as long as you give payment according to what is acceptable. And fear Allah and know that Allah is Seeing of what you do.

  • Muhammad Asad

    And the mothers may nurse their children for two whole years, if they wish to complete the period of nursing; and it is incumbent upon him who has begotten the child to provide in a fair manner for their sustenance and clothing. No human being shall be burdened with more than he is well able to bear: neither shall a mother be made to suffer because of her child, nor, because of his child, he who has begotten it. And the same duty rests upon the heir. And if both decide, by mutual consent and counsel, upon separation , they will incur no sin ; and if you decide to entrust your children to foster-mothers, you will incur no sin provided you ensure, in a fair manner, the safety of the child which you are handing over. But remain conscious of God, and know that God sees all that you do.

  • Marmaduke Pickthall

    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.

  • Abul A'la Maududi Tafhim commentary

    If they (i.e. the fathers) wish that the period of suckling for their children be completed, mothers may suckle their children for two whole years. (In such a case) it is incumbent upon him who has begotten the child to provide them (i.e. divorced women) their sustenance and clothing in a fair manner. But none shall be burdened with more than he is able to bear; neither shall a mother suffer because of her child nor shall the father be made to suffer because he has begotten him. The same duty towards the suckling mother rests upon the heir as upon him (i.e. the father). And if both (the parents) decide, by mutual consent and consultation, to wean the child, there is no blame on them; if you decide to have other women suckle your children there is no blame upon you, provided you hand over its compensation in a fair manner. Fear Allah and know well that Allah sees all that you do.

  • Abdel Khalek Himmat Al- Muntakhab

    Mothers who have given birth shall suckle their babies for a period of two years if deemed necessary to complete the course of breast-feeding. It is incumbent on the child’s father, whether normally married or in the process of a divorce to provide both mother and infant with the means of subsistence and life’s necessities and provide them with clothing according to his means, in equity and honour. No soul is charged with spending except within the means. Nor should a mother or father suffer on account of their child. And in the case of the father’s death, the heir shall be charged with the same responsibility. If both parents wish to interrupt breast-feeding in the infant’s interest and decide to wean, they may do so. If it be deemed necessary to engage a wet nurse to breast-feed the child, you may do so on the condition that the mother or the wet nurse are not denied their due. revere Allah and realise that Allah is Bassirun, He sees all you do.

  • Bijan Moeinian

    The divorced mother should nurse her baby until the age of two, if asked by the father. During this period, the father has the responsibility of taking care of the mother. Of course, no soul is supposed to suffer above and beyond his abilities. Neither the mother, nor the father’s life should be ruined in account of the infant. If the father dies, his heirs should assume these responsibilities. The parents may decide to bring up the child by the formula or by hiring a wet nurse, who is fairly paid for her services. Whatever you do, bear in mind that God is watching over what you are doing.

  • Al-Hilali & Khan

    The mothers shall give suck to their children for two whole years, (that is) for those (parents) who desire to complete the term of suckling, but the father of the child shall bear the cost of the mother’s food and clothing on a reasonable basis. No person shall have a burden laid on him greater than he can bear. No mother shall be treated unfairly on account of her child, nor father on account of his child. And on the (father’s) heir is incumbent the like of that (which was incumbent on the father). If they both decide on weaning, by mutual consent, and after due consultation, there is no sin on them. And if you decide on a foster suckling-mother for your children, there is no sin on you, provided you pay (the mother) what you agreed (to give her) on reasonable basis. And fear Allâh and know that Allâh is All-Seer of what you do.

  • Abdullah Yusuf Ali

    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.

  • Mustafa Khattab The Clear Quran

    ˹Divorced˺ mothers will breastfeed their offspring for two whole years, for those who wish to complete the nursing ˹of their child˺. The child’s father will provide reasonable maintenance and clothing for the mother ˹during that period˺. No one will be charged with more than they can bear. No mother or father should be made to suffer for their child. The ˹father’s˺ heirs are under the same obligation. But if both sides decide—after mutual consultation and consent—to wean a child, then there is no blame on them. If you decide to have your children nursed by a wet-nurse, it is permissible as long as you pay fairly. Be mindful of Allah, and know that Allah is All-Seeing of what you do.

  • Taqi Usmani

    Mothers (should) suckle their children for two full years, for one who wants to complete the (period of) suckling. It is the obligation of the one to whom the child belongs that he provides food and clothing for them (the mothers) with fairness. Nobody is obligated beyond his capacity. No mother shall be made to suffer on account of her child, nor the man to whom the child belongs, on account of his child. Likewise responsibility (of suckling) lies on the (one who may become an) heir (of the child). Now, if they want to wean, with mutual consent and consultation, there is no sin on them. And If you want to get your children suckled (by a wet-nurse), there is no sin on you when you pay off what you are to give with fairness, and fear Allah, and be assured that Allah is watchful of what you do.

  • Abdul Haleem

    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 , 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.

  • Arthur John Arberry

    Mothers shall suckle their children two years completely, for such as desire to fulfil the suckling. It is for the father to provide them and clothe them honourably. No soul is charged save to its capacity; a mother shall not be pressed for her child, neither a father for his child. The heir has a like duty. But if the couple desire by mutual consent and consultation to wean, then it is no fault in them. And if you desire to seek nursing for your children, it is no fault in you provide you hand over what you have given honourably; and fear God, and know that God sees the things you do.

  • E. Henry Palmer

    Mothers must suckle their children two whole years for one who wishes to complete the time of suckling; and on him to whom it is born its sustenance and clothing are incumbent; but in reason, for no soul shall be obliged beyond its capacity. A mother shall not be forced for her child; nor he to whom it is born for his child. And the same (is incumbent) on the heir (of the father). But if both parties wish to wean, by mutual consent and counsel, then it is no crime in them. And if ye wish to provide a wet-nurse for your children, it is no crime in you when you pay what you have promised her, in reason. Fear God, and know that God on what ye do doth look.

  • Hamid S. Aziz

    Mothers shall suckle their children two whole years for those who wish to complete the time of suckling; the duty for feeding and clothing nursing mothers in adequate manner is upon the father of the child; but no soul shall be obliged beyond its capacity. A mother shall not be made to suffer because of her child; nor should he to whom the child is born (the father). And the same (is incumbent) on the heir (of the father). But if both parties wish to wean, by mutual consent and counsel, then it is no crime in them. And if you wish to provide a wet-nurse for your children, it is no crime in you provided you pay what you have promised her, in reason. Fear Allah, and know that Allah is Seer of what you do.

  • Mahmoud Ghali

    And (women) giving birth, shall suckle their children two rounds completely, (i. e. two years) for the one who is willing to perfect the suckling. And it is for the man to whom children are born to offer them provision and raiment with beneficence. No self is charged except to its capacity. No woman giving birth shall be harmed on account of her child, nor shall a man to whom a child is born (be harmed) on account of his child; and the heir (is charged) in like manner. (Literally: like that) So, in case both of them are willing by mutual consent and consultation to wean, then there is no fault in them (both). And in case you are willing to seek suckling for your children, then there is no fault in you when you hand over whatever you have brought (them) with beneficence; and be pious to Allah and know that Allah is Ever-Beholding of whatever you do.

  • George Sale

    Mothers after they are divorced shall give suck unto their children two full years, to him who desireth the time of giving suck to be completed; and the father shall be obliged to maintain them and cloath them in the mean time, according to that which shall be reasonable. No person shall be obliged beyond his ability. A mother shall not be compelled to what is unreasonable on account of her child, nor a father on account of his child. And the heir of the father shall be obliged to do in like manner. But if they choose to wean the child before the end of two years, by common consent, and on mutual consideration, it shall be no crime in them. And if ye have a mind to provide a nurse for your children, it shall be no crime in you, in case ye fully pay what ye offer her, according to that which is just. And fear God, and know that God seeth whatsoever ye do.

  • Syed Vickar Ahamed

    The mothers should nurse their offspring for two whole years, if the father desires to complete their term. But he shall bear the cost of the mother's food and clothing with fairness and justice. 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 accountable in the same way. If they both decide on weaning by the agreement of both; After due consultation, there is no blame on them if you decide on a foster mother for your baby, there is no blame on you, provided you pay (the mother) what you offered, with fairness and justice. But fear Allah and know that Allah is All Seeing (Baseer) of all that you do.

  • Amatul Rahman Omar

    The mothers shall give suck to their children for two full years, (this instruction is) for him who desires to complete the (period of) suckling. And it is incumbent on the man to whom the child is born (- the father) to provide them (- the mothers) the usual maintenance and their clothing (for this period) equitably and according to usage. No soul is charged with a duty except to its capacity. Neither shall a mother be made to suffer on account of her (love for her) child, nor shall he to whom the child is born (be made to suffer) on account of his child. The (father's) heir has a like duty. However if (mother and father) both desire weaning, by mutual consent and consultation, then there is no blame on (either of) them. And if you desire to provide a wet-nurse for your children there is no blame on you, provided you hand over what you have agreed to pay equitably (and in accordance with popular usage). And keep your duty to Allâh and know that Allâh is Seer of what you do.

  • Ali Quli Qarai

    Mothers shall suckle their children for two full years, —that for such as desire to complete the suckling— and on the father shall be their maintenance and clothing, in accordance with honourable norms. No soul is to be tasked except according to its capacity: neither the mother shall be made to suffer harm on her child’s account, nor the father on account of his child, and on the heir devolve similar to that. And if the couple desire to wean, with mutual consent and consultation, there will be no sin upon them. And if you want to have your children wet-nursed, there will be no sin upon you so long as you pay what you give in accordance with honourable norms, and be wary of Allah, and know that Allah sees best what you do.