WAEC Islamic Religious Studies (IRS) 2021 Theory — Question 2

Model answer

Allah said about the custody of the child in Qur'an 2:233: mothers may breastfeed their children for two complete years for whoever wishes to complete the nursing period. Upon the father is the mothers' provision and 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 father's heir is a similar duty. If the parents desire weaning through mutual consent and consultation, there is no blame upon them; and if they wish to have their children nursed by a substitute, there is no blame as long as payment is made according to what is acceptable, and they should fear Allah, knowing that He sees what they do. The Prophet said: 'you have custody except if you get married' — that is, the mother has custody of the child so long as she remains unmarried. All of this depends on the level (maturity) of the child; if the child has reached the level of tamyiz (discernment), the child decides for himself/herself who he or she stays with.