Breast-feeding a child over two years old

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Is it permissible to breast-feed a child over 2 years old? Until what age does breast-feeding make the child a relative (mahram)? Are there any exceptions to this rule?

I am asking because there are many 2 year olds in our area who need families - they need to be "adopted" in the Western sense. I would like to help these children, and expand our ummah, but too avoid hardship, I hope that there is a way that they could become relatives of my son.

Praise be to Allah.

Breast-feeding a child over two years old will not have the effect of making him a relative (mahram). It is permitted to breast-feed one’s own child beyond two years, but two years is enough, as Allah says:

"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 . . ."
[al-Baqarah 2:233]

The reply to the rest of this question can be found under Question 804.

Breast-feeding a child over two years old

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