Does intercourse with one wife lift the oath of abstinence sworn concerning four wives simultaneously?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of the Oath of Abstention (Ila')
Primary text
If the foundational principle is that intercourse with one party to the oath breaks the entire oath, then upon the first instance of intercourse, the oath is broken for all four, and the *Ila'* is lifted from the remainder. This is analogous to the rule governing other types of oaths; once one component is fulfilled, the entire binding nature ceases, and expiation is due. Furthermore, having incurred the expiation for the first act means no further penalty is incurred by approaching the others, thus removing the impediment preventing him from approaching them by virtue of his oath.
Supporting text
The view maintained by Al-Qadi (the Judge) is that if intercourse with one breaks the oath, the *Hanth* occurs upon approaching the first, but the *Ila'* concerning the remaining wives is not lifted, because the *Ila'* sworn against one woman is not lifted by intercourse with another.