Can the husband clarify his intention after making an indefinite oath regarding abstinence from wives?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of the Oath of Abstention (Ila')
Primary text
If the husband swears indefinitely and subsequently claims he intended a specific wife or an unspecified wife, his claim is accepted because the language allows for a non-remote interpretation. This is the position of Imam Al-Shafi'i. If he specified an indefinite wife, he retains the right to designate which wife that is through his subsequent declaration. The foundation for this principle is found in rulings related to divorce.