The scholars differed over its authenticity. A group of scholars deemed it authentic, to the point that Imam Ahmad said: “What an excellent hadith it is.” (1) When Abu Dawud transmitted it, he said: “This is the sound narration.” (2)

Some scholars, however, declared it weak, to the extent that al-Shafi‘i, may Allah have mercy on him, said: “If this hadith were established, I would adopt it.” (3) For this reason, the obligation of expiation is one of the distinctive positions of the school, while the other three imams hold that he is sinful but owes no expiation. (4)

The hadith is authentic, since all of its narrators are trustworthy; and once it is established as authentic, it does no harm that Ahmad alone held this view.

Thus, the correct view is that it is obligatory. At the very least, we should rule that it is obligatory as a matter of precaution.

Is an expiation also due from the woman? The author has remained silent on this matter.