If one addresses a group (to whom the oath applies) without specifying the oath-target within that group, does the oath break?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Expiations
Primary text
The oath is broken (Hanth) if the speech is general and unrestricted, as held by Al-Hasan, Abu Ubayd, Malik, and Abu Hanifa. This is because the requirement of the general wording must be fulfilled when no specific qualification is mentioned. The view held by Al-Hasan, Abu Ubayd, Malik, and Abu Hanifa is preferred because the potential qualification is weak and the fulfillment of the general term is incumbent, similar to how an uncommon metaphorical meaning does not prevent taking the literal meaning when the term is used generally.
Supporting text
Al-Qadi held there are two narrations on this matter. Al-Shafi'i also holds two opinions; one is that the oath is not broken because the general term is capable of being restricted, and thus the oath is not broken merely by probability. However, the first opinion (breaking the oath) is stronger.