What is the ruling regarding a man's statement to his wife: "You are to me as my mother for ten days," with the intention of an oath of desertion and to frighten her, knowing that he is unable to desert her, and being ignorant of the expiation for ẓihār? And is his action considered an argument for him not to fast two consecutive months?

A man's statement to his wife, "You are to me like my mother for ten days," falls under the ruling of zhihar. He must abstain from his wife during this period. If the ten days conclude, his wife becomes lawful for him without expiation (kaffarah). However, if he wishes to enjoy her before the period ends, he must offer the kaffarah for zhihar, which is fasting for two consecutive months or feeding sixty poor people for one who is unable to fast. Daytime work is not an excuse for not fasting unless it is extremely difficult and unbearable, coupled with a dire need for this work and no available alternative.