Firstly, the waiting period (῾iddah) for a widow is indeed four months and ten days, as explicitly mentioned in the Qur᾽ān: “And those who are taken in death among you and leave wives behind – they, [the wives], shall wait four months and ten days.” [Qur᾽ān 2:234].

The purposes of this waiting period include ensuring that the womb is free of pregnancy, showing loyalty to the deceased, avoiding suspicion and slander, and overcoming the pain of loss.

Secondly, the purpose of the waiting period is not to confine the woman to her house or any specific place, as some might think. Rather, staying in the house is a means to achieve the wisdom behind the waiting period, not the rule or the objective itself.

What is required is anything that fulfills the aforementioned purposes. Showing loyalty to the deceased forbids engaging with potential suitors and initiating marriage proposals, as it is not befitting for a dignified free woman to move from one bed to another without a separation period, as is done by promiscuous or immoral women.

To avoid suspicion, it is prohibited to go out except for essential or necessary needs to prevent accusations if a pregnancy is discovered later or if a proposal occurs immediately after the waiting period.

Showing loyalty to the deceased also forbids wearing visible adornments and engaging in activities that contradict the known value of widowhood.

Ensuring the womb is free of pregnancy forbids seclusion with non-maḥram men and unnecessary exposure.

Thirdly, observing the waiting period, whether due to death or divorce, does not prevent a woman from fulfilling a condition she has undertaken, such as being an employee. In such a case, she must fulfill her work obligations by going out to work and returning after completing the required duty.

She may leave the house for necessities like buying food and clothing, and needs such as medical treatment and fulfilling her children’s needs that no one else can attend to.

However, she should not attend congregational prayers, including Friday prayers, or religious lessons, or the Tarāwīḥ prayers during Ramaḍān, as these are not obligatory on her.

Fatwā issued by Dr. Khālid Naṣr