Code of Muslim Personal Laws

Article 78

(1) The care and custody of children below seven years of age whose parents are divorced shall belong to the mother or, in her absence, to the maternal grandmother, the paternal grandmother, the sister and aunts. In their default, it shall devolve upon the father and the nearest paternal relatives. The minor above seven years of age but below the age of puberty may choose the parent with whom he wants to stay. (2) The unmarried daughter who has reached the age of puberty shall stay with the father; the son, under the same circumstances, shall stay with the mother.

Article 79

The following persons shall have authority to act as guardian for marriage (wali) in the order of precedence: (a) Father (b) Paternal grandfather; (c) Brother and other paternal relatives; (d) Paternal grandfather's executor or nominee; or (e) The court.

Article 80

The following persons shall exercise guardianship over the property of minors in the order of precedence: (a) Father; (b) Father's executor or nominee; (c) Paternal grandfather; (d) Paternal grandfather's nominee; or (e) The court.