To restate the first view: because the entire utterance counts as a single declaration, only one expiation is due, for it amounts to one oath.

The reason for their disagreement is whether the criterion of singularity or plurality in an oath returns to the form of the wording itself, or to the multiplicity of the items contained in that statement which takes the form of an oath.

Whoever judged on the basis of the wording said: one expiation. Whoever judged by the number of distinct items encompassed by the wording—each of which could have been sworn by on its own—said: the expiation is as numerous as they are.

This much suffices regarding the principles of this book and the root of the disagreement on the matter. Allah is the One who grants aid by His mercy.