A widow, whether young or old, must observe `Iddah

Q: What is the `Iddah (woman's prescribed waiting period after divorce or widowhood) of a fifty-six-year-old blind widow?

A: A widow, whether young or old, must observe `Iddah for four months and ten days following the death of her husband. This is based on the Ayah (Qur'anic verse) which reads: And those of you who die and leave wives behind them, they (the wives) shall wait (as regards their marriage) for four months and ten (days) Accordingly, this woman has to observe the `Iddah prescribed for the death of her husband and also has to observe Hidad (prescribed mourning period during which a widow does not adorn herself and keeps to the home of her deceased husband) even if she is old and blind. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.