Is it permissible to separate a mother from her infant child?

Primary text

The separation of a mother from her infant child is impermissible based on the consensus of the scholars. This is the view of Malik, Al-Awza'i, Al-Laith, Al-Shafi'i, Abu Thawr, and the proponents of the Hanafi view. The evidence is the Hadith where the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Whoever separates between a mother and her child, Allah will separate him from those he loves on the Day of Resurrection." Imam Ahmad stated that separation is prohibited even if the mother consents, due to the potential harm to the child and the possibility of the mother later regretting her consent.