In Islam, iddah or iddat (Arabic: العدة; period of waiting) is the period a woman must observe after the death of her spouse or after a divorce, during which she may not marry another man. Its purpose is to ensure that the male parent of any offspring produced after the cessation of a nikah (marriage) would be known. The length of iddah varies according to a number of circumstances.
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The iddah of a woman divorced by her husband is three monthly periods, unless she is pregnant in which case the ‘iddah lasts until she gives birth, or unless the marriage was not consummated in which case there is no `iddah, or unless she does not menstruate, in which case "the scholars say that she should observe an ‘iddah of a full year, nine months for pregnancy and three months for ‘iddah."
For a woman whose husband has died, the `iddah is four lunar months and ten days after the death of their husbands, whether or not the marriage was consummated.
Islamic scholars consider this directive to be a balance between mourning of husband's death and protecting the widow from criticism that she might be subjected to from remarrying too quickly after her husband’s death. This is also to ascertain whether a woman is pregnant or not, since four and a half months is half the length of a normal pregnancy.
Husbands should make a will in favor of their wives for the provision of one year’s residence and maintenance, unless the wives themselves leave the house or take any other similar step.
Iddah for widow
The directive of the Qur'an regarding the waiting period of a widow, is as under.
Whoever from amongst you dies and leaves behind wives, the wives will hold themselves [from marriage] for four months and ten days. Then, when they have expired this period, there is no blame upon you in whatever they do regarding themselves, according to the recognized traditions. And God is fully aware of whatever you are doing. And there is no blame upon you in proposing [marriage] to these women or in keeping such proposal to yourself - God is aware that you would mention it to them - but do not make with them any secret commitments, except that you say a noble word to them. However, do not commit the marriage-contract with them, until the law has reached its prescribed time... (Al-Baqarah 2: 234 - 235)The following is a summary of the main directives entailed in these verses:
- The waiting period (Iddah) of a widow is four months and ten days;
- During this period, the woman is not to marry another man;
- During this period, a person may declare his intentions of marrying the widow - in a socially acceptable manner - or he may keep such intentions to himself, yet he should not make a secret commitment of marriage with the widow; and
- The time and place of the marriage-contract should be finalized and committed to only after the period of four months and ten days has expired.
These are the basic directives of the Sharia regarding the waiting period of a widow. It is also clear from another directive of the Qur'an that during this waiting period, the woman should not be turned out of her house.
Iddah for divorced woman
Quran states:
Divorced women should keep themselves in waiting (before remarrying) three cources; and it is not lawful for them to conceal what God has created in their wombs, if they believe in God and last day; and their husbands have more right of taking them back during this, if they want reconciliation; they have (rights) similar to against them and men are a degree above them; and God is mighty and wise
(Al-Quran 2:228)
In surah Al-Ahzab it is stated:
O ye who believe! When ye marry believing women then divorce them before touching them then there is no iddah, you have reckon with.
(Al-Quran 33:49)
The Quran surah (Chapter) 65, entitled "At-Talaq" meaning "The Divorce" states
Al Talaq 65:4 Such of your women as have passed the age of monthly courses, for them the Iddah, if ye have any doubts, is three months, and for those who have no courses (it is the same): for those who carry (life within their wombs), their period is until they deliver their burdens: and for those who fear Allah, He will make their path easy. (Yusuf Ali)The following is a summary of the main directives entailed in these verses:
- The waiting period of a woman after menopause (no longer having her menstrual cycle) is three months;
- The waiting period of a girl who has not had her menstrual cycle is three months;
- The waiting period for a pregnant woman is until after they deliver the child.
Commentaries of the Quran, including the most respected Sunni commentary: -
Allah the Exalted clarifies the waiting period of the woman in menopause. And that is the one whose menstruation has stopped due to her older age. Her Iddah is three months instead of the three monthly cycles for those who menstruate, which is based upon the Ayah in (Surat) Al-Baqarah. ﴿see 2:228﴾ The same for those, who have not stopped menstruating due to disease. Their Iddah is three months like those in menopause. (Quran Tafsir Ibn Kathir)Rulings from Islamic scholars (fatwas): -
The waiting period (idda) for a female who does not experience menstruation due to childhood (saghira), who is on menopause (a’yisa) and who has reached the age of puberty (baliga) without experiencing menstruation, will be three consecutive Islamic months. (Hanafi scholar, Mufti Muhammad ibn Adam, Darul Iftaa, Leicester, UK)Interpretation
Muslim jurists and thinkers have generally construed this additional purpose entailed in the prescription of the waiting period for widows to be that of the widow's 'mourning' her deceased husband. The prescription of a specified 'waiting' or 'mourning' period is for the purpose of safeguarding the woman against defamation, slander and ill-repute in society. In Pakistan waiting period for divorcee is 90 days. And for widow is 130 days. However pregnant divorcee or widow have to wait until pregnancy or miscarriage.
It is specifically for this purpose that others are directed against making a 'secret' commitment of marriage with the widow or deciding about the time and place of the marriage-contract, during the prescribed period. It is reported that Muhammad advised widows to be extra modest in their appearance and to even refrain from wearing any fragrance, during this period. All these directives and advice seem to point to the fact that a woman should not only be but also appear to be in a state of mourning so that her social circles do not get a chance to say a negative word about her.
No other restrictions apply to a widow during her waiting period.