and well protected, or if she is unsuitable, the father may take the girl from her. This is the consideration Ahmad took into account in the well-known position transmitted by his followers. Since safeguarding and protecting her must be taken into account, and the father undoubtedly has the right to remove her from her mother if the mother does not safeguard her, the father is better able to safeguard and protect her. She has reached the age of discernment and no longer needs anyone to attend to her bodily needs, while the father commands an authority and respect that the mother does not.

Ahmad and his followers give the father precedence only when she has no secure protection in those circumstances. If, however, the father is unable to safeguard and protect her, or neglects to do so, Ahmad gives the mother precedence in that situation. Whichever parent we give precedence to, we do so only if this serves her welfare or averts harm from her. If her circumstances deteriorate with either parent, the other undoubtedly has a stronger claim to her. Even when a young boy chooses one of his parents and we give that parent precedence, we do so only on condition that his welfare is secured and harm to him is removed.

Suppose, then, that the father is indifferent to sexual misconduct and does not safeguard the boy, whereas the mother does. We would disregard the boy’s choice, for his judgment is immature. He may choose one parent because that parent indulges his corrupt desires. The boy may wish to engage in immoral conduct, associate with immoral people, and abandon the beneficial pursuit of knowledge, religion, good manners, and a trade. He therefore chooses the parent with whom he can satisfy his desires, whereas the other might restrain and reform him. In such circumstances, there is no doubt that the parent with whom his condition deteriorates must not be allowed to take charge of him. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“Instruct them to pray at seven, discipline them by striking them for neglecting it at ten, and separate them in their beds.”

Thus, whenever one parent instructs him to do this and the other