ENACTMENT NO. 1 OF 1983 ISLAMIC FAMILY LAW ENACTMENT 1983
PART VI - HADHANAH OR CUSTODY OF CHILDREN
Section 73. Duration of custody.
(1) The right of custody over a child shall cease when the child attains the age of seven years, if a male, and the age of nine years, if a female:
Provided that the Court may, on the application of the hahinah, allow the hadhinah to have custody of the child until the child attains the age of nine years, if a male, and eleven years if a female; and
(2) Thereafter the right of custody shall vest on the father, and if the children have reached the age of mumaiyiz, they will be entitled to choose whether to live with the father or the mother, unless the Court orders to the contrary.