Is Zihar valid regarding every wife?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Zihar

Book 42 · Issue 1 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

Zihar (a form of repudiation) is valid concerning every wife, regardless of whether she is an adult or a minor, a Muslim or a Dhimmi, and whether intercourse is possible with her or not. This opinion is held by Malik and Al-Shafi'i. The evidence supporting this is the general scope of the relevant Quranic verse and the fact that Zihar is valid from her because divorce is valid from her, similar to other wives.

Supporting text

Abu Thawr stated that Zihar is not valid concerning one with whom intercourse is not possible because the purpose of Zihar is to prohibit intercourse, which is already impossible.