Iddah (Waiting Period)

Assalaamu Alaikum Dear Brothers & Sisters

It is commonly misunderstood that the Iddah Period is to be used to seclude the wife into private quarters, where she has to sit for either 3 menstrual cycles or 1 menstrual cycle and all her daily activities are almost abrogated.

The period of Iddah for a wido would be 4 months and 10 days in accordance to Surah Al Baqarah Verse 234

This is a huge misconception, the wife does not need to observe eteqaaf (seclusion)

In fact Islamically speaking, she can undertake any task during this time which is required to maintain herself and or her family.

There are only 2 exceptions and that during this period she cannot look for proposals or have a nikah with anyone, this is purely and simply because she is still in her nikah until the iddah is exhausted.

It is highlighted Islamically that Iddah is to be observed for 3 Menstrual Cycles, however if the separation has been for over 12 months and you are about to observe the Iddah after a khulla (Islamic Divorce initiated by the Wife) then you can observe only 1 month of iddah.

Any further clarification required please do contact us on our email address

enquiries@theshariacouncil.org.uk

Jazakh Allah Khairun

A Video explaining this is below: