Who has priority regarding the custody of a female child upon reaching the age of seven?

Chapter on Who is More Entitled to Child Custody

Al-Mughni

Book of Maintenance (Nafaqāt)

Book 46 · Issue 3 · Bab 3

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The agnates who are closest in inheritance priority after the fathers and grandfathers have a greater right to the custody of a female child once she reaches the age of seven.

Supporting text

However, the paternal cousin ('ibn al-'amm') does not retain custody of the female child if she reaches the age of seven because he is not a permissible guardian (mahram) for her.