Question:If a man makes ẓihār (a form of divorce by comparing the wife to the sister or mother) against his wife without witnesses present, does the ẓihār take effect or not?

Answer:In the name of Allah, ẓihār does not take effect without witnesses. Allah knows best.

Question:Does the Zihar (a husband is referring to his wife as his mother or by uttering that, “you are, to me, like my mother” and vice-versa.) occur for the young wife and the barren woman?

Answer:Yes, it does occur. Allah knows best.