Mourning over anyone other than the husband

Q 9: What is the ruling on a woman mourning more than three days over anyone other than the husband? What is the Islamic ruling if a woman mourns over a husband more than four months and ten days? In some southern tribes women mourn the deceased, husband or otherwise, for more than a year.

A: A woman should not mourn any person other than her husband for more than three days, and she should not mourn her husband more than four months and ten days, unless pregnant, and only then she mourns him until she gives birth. This is according to the Hadith which states: “It is not lawful for a woman who believes in Allah and the Last Day to observe Hidad (avoidance of perfume and adornment) over a dead person for more than three days, except over a husband, (in which case the period of Hidad is) four months and ten (days).” May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.