`Iddah for a man

Q 1: Does a man observe `Iddah (prescribed waiting period after divorce or widowhood) like women? If so, how long is it?

A: Men do not observe `Iddah like women, but at certain conditions a man is prohibited from marrying another woman. For example, if a man is married to four women and then grants one of them a revocable divorce, he will not have the right to marry another woman until the divorcee's `Iddah is over. This waiting period is the `Iddah of the woman; not that of the man, since he can take her back in marriage at any time. That is why men are not allowed to marry during this period until the divorcee is irrevocably divorced by finishing her `Iddah. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.