[2:233] Mothers suckle their children for two full years for such as desire to fulfill the suckling.
The consummate metaphor for mercy is the mercy of mothers. God (s) commanded mothers to be fully merciful in suckling their children for two complete years. Cutting off the suckling before two years is an allusion to the fact that the mercy of God towards his servant is more perfect than the mercy of mothers.
[2:233 cont'd] It is for the father to provide them and clothe them honorably.
It means 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 one who is entirely yours is entirely your responsibility.
[2:233 cont'd] No soul is charged save to its capacity;
The holding back of one who has ability is miserliness - to stop in a moment of weakness is an excuse.
[2:233 cont'd] a mother a shall not be harmed by her child
in the suckling and what is necessary for it.
[2:233 cont'd] neither a father by his child. The heir has a similar duty.
It means the father by his child, meaning what is obligatory to him in support and tenderness. Just as the right of the child is incumbent on the parents, the right of the parents is incumbent on the child.
[2:233 cont'd] But if the two desire by mutual consent and consultation to wean, then they would not be at fault. And if you desire to seek nursing for 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.
It means the weaning before two years - after the right intention, there is no fault. The verse includes [that which] smoothes the path of companionship, teaching the best morals in the precepts of marital life. Surely those who are not merciful will not themselves be treated with mercy (wa-inna man lā yarḥam lā yurḥam). The Prophet (ṣ) said to someone who mentioned that his children didn't kiss him, 'Surely God does not take away mercy except for the one with a miserable heart'.