591—A person is responsible for:

a—maintaining his poor ascendants and descendants, if he is wealthy;

b—likewise, maintaining anyone from whom he would inherit by a prescribed share or as an agnatic heir.1

592—The hadith states: “A slave is entitled to his food and clothing and must not be burdened with work beyond his capacity.” Narrated by Muslim.2

593—If the slave asks to marry, his master is obligated to arrange his marriage.

594—A person must provide his animals with sufficient food and drink and must not burden them with anything that would harm them. The hadith states: “It is sin enough for a man to withhold sustenance from those whose provision is in his hands.” Narrated by Muslim.3

595—Child custody means protecting the child from harm and attending to the child’s welfare.

596—It is obligatory upon whoever is obliged to provide the child’s maintenance.

597—However, the mother has the greater right to custody of her child, whether a boy or a girl, if the child is under seven years of age.