ENACTMENT NO. 3 OF 1987 ISLAMIC FAMILY LAW ENACTMENT 1987
PART VII - GUARDIANSHIP Hadhanah or Custody of Children
Section 85. Duration of custody.
(1) The right of the hadinah to the custody of a Duration child terminates upon the child attaining the age of of custody. seven years, but the Court may, upon application of the hadinah, allow her to retain the custody of the child until the attainment of the age of nine years.
(2) After the termination of the right of the hadinah, the custody devolves upon the father, and if the child has reached the age of discernment (mumaiyiz), he or she shall have the choice of living with either of the parents, unless the Court otherwise orders.