The correct answer is (c) 7 years.
According to Hanafi Law, a mother is entitled to the custody (Hizanat) of a male child till the age of 7 years. This is because the Hanafi school of thought believes that a child’s primary need during this time is for physical and emotional care, which a mother is best suited to provide. After the age of 7, the child’s need for education and socialization becomes more important, and the father is therefore considered to be the better guardian.
The other options are incorrect because they do not reflect the Hanafi school of thought on the issue of Hizanat. Option (a), 12 years, is the age at which a male child reaches puberty according to the Hanafi school of thought. However, puberty is not considered to be a determining factor in Hizanat. Option (b), 18 years, is the age at which a male child is considered to be an adult according to the Hanafi school of thought. However, adulthood is also not considered to be a determining factor in Hizanat. Option (d), 21 years, is the age at which a male child is considered to be fully independent according to the Hanafi school of thought. However, independence is also not considered to be a determining factor in Hizanat.