Is mentioning the specific child whose paternity is being denied a requirement in the Li'an for the negation of paternity?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Mutual Imprecation (Li'an)
Primary text
When the Li'an is for the negation of a child, it is mandatory for the child to be explicitly mentioned in both their pronouncements. The basis for this is that whoever has a right negated by Li'an must specify it therein, similar to the woman. Since both parties are engaged in mutual oath-taking regarding a matter, specification is required in their mutual affirmation, just as it is required in oaths of dispute.
Supporting text
Al-Shafi'i holds that the woman does not need to mention the child as she is not denying paternity, only the husband needs to mention it for the purpose of negation. Abu Bakr held that neither needs to mention the child, as paternity is negated by the cessation of the marital bed's presumption.