Section
Ẓihār is valid from anyone whose pronouncement of divorce is valid, whether the declaration is immediate1, conditional2, or sworn by oath.

If he issues it forthwith to a woman who is not his wife, or makes it contingent upon marrying her, or says to her, “You are forbidden to me,” intending a permanent prohibition, it is treated as ẓihār; not so if he leaves it unqualified or merely intends a temporary restriction.

Ẓihār may also be limited to a specific period, as in the statement, “You are to me like my mother’s back for the month of Ramadan.” If he has intercourse with her during that month, he becomes a muẓāhir; otherwise, he does not.

Once ẓihār is established, sexual intercourse and all its preliminaries are unlawful for the husband until he expiates. Should he have intercourse, the expiation becomes binding upon him—even if he was insane at the time—and he may not approach her again until he performs it. If either of them dies before intercourse has occurred, no expiation is due.

Section
The expiation for ẓihār3, in the prescribed order, is: first, the emancipation of a believing slave who is sound and free of defects that impair work; emancipating one who is both deaf and mute, or a foetus, is insufficient.

If he cannot do that, he must fast4 two consecutive lunar months, and he must intend the fast from the preceding night.