Mothers suckle their children for two full years for such as desire to fulfill the suckling. The ultimate metaphor for mercy is the mercy of mothers. God سبحانه com- manded mothers to fulfill mercy by suckling their children for two complete years. Cutting off the suckling before two years [for those who so desire] is an allusion to the fact that the mercy of God toward his servant is more perfect than the mercy of mothers. It is for the father to provide them and clothe them honorably. This means that the father must provide for nursing women and clothe them honorably. When they are performing an act for you their right is your obligation. Surely the [child] who is entirely yours is entirely your responsibility. No soul is charged save to its capacity; The holding back of one with ability is miserliness-to stop in a moment of weakness is a [poor] excuse. a mother shall not be harmed by her child in the suckling and what is necessary for it. neither a father by his child. The heir has a similar duty. This means that the father [shall not be harmed] by his child that is with regard to the support and tenderness that are obligatory for [the child]. Just as the right of the child is incumbent on the parents the right of the parents is incumbent on the child. َ But if the two desire by mutual consent and consultation to wean [the child] then they would not be at fault. And if you desire to seek [others to] nurse your children you would not be at fault provided you hand over what you have given honorably and fear God and know that God sees what you do. This refers to weaning before two years-if it is done with the right inten- tion there is no fault. The verse includes [that which] smooths the path of companionship and teaches the best moral qualities in the precepts of marital life. Surely those who are not merciful will not themselves be treated with mercy wa-inna man lā yarḥamu lā yurḥamu. The Prophet ﷺ said to someone who mentioned that his children did not kiss him “Surely God does not take away mercy except from a miserable heart.”
