Taking into account the relevant Qur’anic verses (al-Baqarah 2:233, Luqman 31:14, al-Ahqaf 46:15) and hadiths, the majority of Islamic scholars state that the breastfeeding period is two years, while Imam Abu Hanifa extends it to two and a half years. It is permissible to wean the child earlier if it serves the child’s best interest and both parents agree.
Regarding the permissibility of continuing breastfeeding after this period, there are two main scholarly opinions:
The majority of scholars hold that it is permissible. They argue that there is no explicit verse or hadith that prohibits it. According to them, the timing of weaning depends on the welfare of the child and the decision of the parents (see al-Qurtubi, Ahkam al-Qur’an, 3/162; al-Haddad, al-Jawharat an-Nayyirah, 2/27).
Some Hanafi jurists, however, maintain that milk is a secretion of the human body, and it is therefore not permissible for one person to consume the bodily substance of another. While breastfeeding within the designated period is considered natural and necessary, this necessity no longer exists after that period, and thus it is regarded as impermissible (Haskafi, al-Durr al-Mukhtar, p. 202).
Based on these views, the following can be stated: If there are no impediments, it is best to breastfeed the child for two full years; as expressed in the verse (al-Baqarah 2:233), this completes the prescribed period. If the child’s welfare requires earlier weaning, this may be done. After two years, it is preferable to discontinue breastfeeding in order to avoid entering an area of scholarly disagreement. However, if there are medical reasons or considerations of the child’s welfare that necessitate continued breastfeeding, it may be extended for some time. It may continue up to two and a half years and, if necessary, somewhat beyond. Once it is determined that the child no longer needs it, breastfeeding should be discontinued.