Al-Matalib al-'Aliyah 1735 — Combining two sisters, or a woman

It is narrated from Qabisah bin Dhu'ayb (may Allah have mercy on him) that Sayyiduna Uthman (may Allah be pleased with him) was asked about two slave women who are full sisters of one another. He said: "One verse, 'or what your right hands possess' [Surah al-Nisa: 3], has made them lawful, while another verse, 'and that you combine two sisters' [Surah al-Nisa: 23], has made (combining them at the same time) unlawful, and I do not like to do it myself." When this reached an eminent Companion of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), he said: "If I had any authority over the affairs of the Muslims and such a person (one who had combined two sisters) were brought to me, I would make him an exemplary lesson."
Imam al-Zuhri (may Allah have mercy on him) said: "I think that Companion (who held the strict position) was Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him)."