AND IF YOU HAVE DECIDED TO ENGAGE A FOSTER MOTHER...

AND IF YOU HAVE DECIDED TO ENGAGE A FOSTER MOTHER, IT IS NO GUILT ON YOU, SO LONG AS YOU PAY THE MOTHER WHAT YOU PROMISED, ACCORDING TO USAGE. AND BEWARE OF ALLAH, AND KNOW THAT ALLAH SEES WHATEVER YOU DO. [ 258 ] THE COMMENTARY SEVEN INSTRUCTIONS ABOUT SUCKLING (VERSE NO.

233.This verse which is the continuation of the terms and rules of marriage and divorce; puts further on the table, an important problem which is the suckling and the safeguard of the baby, whose father and mother are separated through a divorce.

The verse begins with this order that: mothers should suckle their children for two whole years.'' Although the father is the guardian of the baby and responsible for his or her safeguard, yet suckling is devolved upon the mother, who may milk her baby for a period that completes in two years. By this the interests of the children whose parents have separated, might be safeguarded. This two years of suckling is for those parents who intend to complete the milking term.

That is to say: It may not always the suckling period end in two whole years, and the mother or even the father may reduce the term to some acceptable length of time according to necessites and abilities. The father is responsible to bear the cost of food and clothing, on some equitable terms for the mother and her child. Worthy of note here that, in this verse, instead of `FATHER' the phrase, `HIM FOR WHOM THE CHILD IS BORN' is used!

As if the verse wants to raise the sentiment and the kind feelings of the father, and bring to his mind that the child for whom he has to provide food and clothing is the fruit of his life and heart, and not a stranger!

Then another important instruction is issued through the verse saying: ``Neither the mother should treat the child unfairly nor the father; due to being cross with one another.'' Then another order is given them in case the father passes away: ``The heir of the father will have to fulfil all the tasks and duties on account of the child and the mother.'' The verse continues with another instruction about weaning [ 259 ] of the child, saying: ``If the parent, both decide to wean the child, by a mutual consent, and after due consultation, there is no blame on them.'' 7) It may happen that the mother refuses to suckle the baby, or actually she is not able to do that.

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