What is the etymological basis for the term 'Lian' (Mutual Cursing)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Mutual Imprecation (Li'an)
Primary text
The term is derived from the word for cursing because each spouse curses themselves during the fifth oath if they are lying. Furthermore, the term is so named because it is inevitable that one of the spouses is lying, resulting in the curse falling upon them, which signifies expulsion and remoteness. The foundation for this ruling is established by the words of Allah: And those who accuse their wives and have no witnesses except themselves, then the witness of one of them shall be four oaths by Allah... (Quran 24:6-9). Evidence is further established through the narration of Sahl ibn Sa'd al-Sa'idi, wherein Uwaymir al-Ajlani sought the ruling from the Messenger of Allah after finding another man with his wife, leading to a mutual cursing (*tala'an*) and a triple divorce in the presence of the Prophet, may the peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, which is agreed upon.