Definition & Evidence

**Linguistic Definition:** Ila' is derived from "aliyyah" meaning oath. It is said: ala fulaan yu'li ila'an wa aliyyatan - meaning he swore. **Technical Definition:** That a husband swears by Allah or by one of His attributes - while capable of intercourse - to abandon vaginal intercourse with his wife forever, or for more than four months. --- **Evidence:** Allah says: "For those who swear not to approach their wives is a waiting of four months. Then if they return [to normal relations] - indeed, Allah is Forgiving and Merciful. And if they decide on divorce - then indeed, Allah is Hearing and Knowing" [Al-Baqarah: 226-227]