What is Iddah?
Iddah (عدة) refers to the waiting period a woman must observe before she can remarry after divorce, khulʿ (divorce initiated by the wife), or the death of her husband. During this time, she is required to refrain from marriage until the period ends, as prescribed in Islamic law.
The duration of Iddah varies depending on the circumstances, such as pregnancy, age, or the type of separation. This waiting period serves multiple purposes, including ensuring the clarity of lineage, allowing emotional healing, and respecting the sanctity of the previous marriage.
Iddah for a Divorced Woman
The waiting period after divorce differs based on the specific situation of the woman:
1. No Iddah for a Woman Divorced Before Consummation
If a woman is divorced before consummation (i.e., before any intimate relations took place), she does not have to observe Iddah. She is free to marry someone else immediately.
“O you who have believed, when you marry believing women and then divorce them before you have touched them, then there is no waiting period upon them for you to count.”
(Surah Al-Ahzab 33:49)
2. Iddah for a Divorced Woman After Consummation
If the marriage was consummated, the Iddah period depends on her condition:
- If she is pregnant:
Her Iddah lasts until she gives birth, whether the pregnancy is long or short. “And for those who are pregnant, their term is until they give birth.”
(Surah At-Talaq 65:4) - If she is menstruating:
Her Iddah is three complete menstrual cycles. This means she must experience three full periods and purify herself each time before the waiting period ends. “Divorced women shall wait [as regards their marriage] for three menstrual cycles.”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:228) - If she does not menstruate (due to young age or menopause):
Her Iddah is three lunar months. “And those who no longer expect menstruation among your women, if you doubt, then their period is three months, and [also for] those who have not menstruated.”
(Surah At-Talaq 65:4) - If her menstruation stops due to an unknown cause:
Scholars differ on this situation. The safest opinion is that she waits for one full year—nine months for a potential pregnancy and three months for Iddah.
Iddah for a Widow
If a woman’s husband passes away, her Iddah depends on whether she is pregnant or not:
- If she is not pregnant:
She must observe a waiting period of four months and ten days, as stated in the Quran: “And those who are taken in death among you and leave wives behind—they [the wives] shall wait four months and ten [days].”
(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:234) - If she is pregnant:
Her Iddah ends when she gives birth, regardless of how soon or late that happens.
Rules for a Woman in Iddah
During Iddah, a woman must adhere to certain guidelines:
✅ Avoid remarriage until the waiting period is over.
✅ Stay in her home unless she has a valid reason to leave (such as work or essential needs).
✅ Refrain from beautification (e.g., wearing perfume, jewelry, or bright-colored clothing) during Iddah for a deceased husband.
However, basic self-care and cleanliness are allowed, and a woman in Iddah after divorce may wear normal clothing.
The Wisdom Behind Iddah
The concept of Iddah carries profound wisdom, including:
- Ensuring no pregnancy confusion (so the lineage of any child remains clear).
- Providing emotional healing before entering a new marriage.
- Honoring the sanctity of marriage and respecting the previous relationship.
- Offering a chance for reconciliation in some cases of revocable divorce.
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