therefore it is recommended to give both parties an indirect warning and to coach them, when they reach the fifth and final testimony, that the liar among them withdraw his lie, so that he does not combine the sin he has already committed with an even graver lie confirmed by solemn oaths in the very presence of Allah’s law.

2 – For this reason it is proper for the judge to instruct someone to place his hand over the husband’s mouth when he utters the curse, and over the wife’s mouth when she invokes Allah’s wrath, so that he may be spared the punishment of Allah and His painful chastisement. The one who covers the mouth should say: “Fear Allah, for this word of yours is what makes separation binding in this world and, if you are lying, will bring you torment in the Hereafter.”

3 – The ḥadith is evidence that the rulings of liʿān—perpetual separation, the cancellation of the prescribed punishment, and the disavowal of the child named in the accusation—take effect only after the liʿān has been completed by both spouses.

4 – It also shows that the fifth testimony of each spouse is what finalises the liʿān; before pronouncing it, either of them may retract and declare himself or herself to have been untruthful.

5 – The report further indicates that the judge’s session, even in such swift cases, is attended by others, especially those the judge needs for recording the proceedings, maintaining security, and similar tasks.