No need to make up for the period of Hidad

Q: I submit to Your Eminence this question. My father died thirty years ago and left four children; two sons and two daughters. We had hard times facing the burdens of life. Our mother had to make a living for us directly after our father's death. She, thus, did not observe Hidad (prescribed mourning period during which a widow does not adorn herself and keeps to the home of her deceased husband) to support us since there was no one else to carry out this job. Now, my mother is asking if she is blamed for what she did. Could she expiate for it at the present time? Kindly give us your Fatwa (legal opinion issued by a qualified Muslim scholar) in this regard. May Allah safeguard you and grant you success in pleasing Him (Glorified and Exalted be He).

A: If the reality is as you mentioned, there is no blame on her. She should ask Allah (Exalted be He) for forgiveness and make Tawbah (repentance to Allah). (Part No. 20; Page No. 483) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.