An old woman and a young girl having to observe `Iddah after the death of their husbands

Q 5: Does an old woman who has no desire for marriage or a young girl who has not reached puberty have to observe the `Iddah (woman's prescribed waiting period after widowhood) after the death of their husbands?

A: An old woman who has no desire for marriage and a young girl who has not reach puberty have to observe the `Iddah after the death of their husbands. Their `Iddah elapses by giving birth if they are pregnant or wait for four months and ten days if they are not pregnant. This is based on the general meaning of the saying of Allah (Exalted be He), 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) (Part No. 20; Page No. 415) And: And for those who are pregnant (whether they are divorced or their husbands are dead), their ‘Iddah (prescribed period) is until they lay down their burden May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.