What is the requirement for *li'an* if a man accuses four of his wives of adultery using a single statement?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Mutual Imprecation (Li'an)
Primary text
If a man accuses four of his wives, the ruling concerning the punishment remains the same as outlined previously. If he intends to perform *li'an*, he must perform a distinct, separate *li'an* for each wife. He must commence with the wife who first demands the imprecation. If all demand it simultaneously and are in contention (*tashahuhn*), he must use lots (*qur'ah*) to decide whom to begin with. If they are not in contention, he may begin with the *li'an* of whomever he chooses. Commencing with one wife without drawing lots, even amidst contention, is valid.
Supporting text
A possibility exists that a single *li'an* suffices, wherein he states: 'I bear witness before Allah that I am truthful in what I have accused each of these four wives of mine regarding adultery.' And each wife responds: 'I bear witness before Allah that he is a liar concerning what he accused me of regarding adultery.' This is supported by the fact that the objective is achieved thereby. However, the first opinion is considered more sound because *li'an* constitutes oaths, and oaths belonging to multiple parties do not overlap, just as oaths related to debts do not.