What is the ruling if a husband hears his wife mentioning something and responds by saying, 'A curse of Allah be upon the liar'?

Chapter on Explicit Divorce and Others

Al-Mughni

Book of Divorce

Book 39 · Issue 4 · Bab 2

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If a husband hears his wife mentioning something and responds, 'A curse of Allah be upon the liar,' he incurs the penalty because he has spoken to her. This is affirmed by Ahmad.

Supporting text

Abu Bakr held that he does not incur the penalty in cases where the recipient is not truly present, referencing the Companions' inquiry regarding speaking to bodies without souls.