<![CDATA[This study examines the effectiveness of the Johor Islamic Family Law Enactment 2003 in protecting child custody (hadhanah) rights after divorce, employing a qualitative approach that combines normative legal analysis and interviews with officers of the Johor Syariah High Court. The enactment comprehensively regulates custodial hierarchy, eligibility requirements, maintenance, visitation rights, and protective mechanisms such as interim custody orders and restrictions on removing a child from Malaysia. Findings reveal that while the enactment is structurally robust and grounded in the principle of Jabl al-Masalih, its implementation requires alignment with the Child Act 2001 to fulfil the objective of Daf‘ al-Mafasid, particularly in cases involving abuse, neglect, violence, or attempted child abduction. Despite the sufficiency of the enactment from a legal standpoint, challenges emerge from individual non-compliance with court orders, such as failure to pay maintenance or refusal to surrender the child. The involvement of enforcement agencies, including the Royal Malaysia Police and the Social Welfare Department, is crucial in ensuring effective execution of custody decisions. Ultimately, maximizing child protection after divorce necessitates a holistic harmonisation of Islamic family law with national child-protection frameworks to ensure the child’s safety, welfare, and long-term well-being. Keywords: Hadhanah, Child Protection, Syariah Court]]>
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