Permissible and prohibited acts during Hidad

Q 3: What should a widow do during her Hidad (mourning prescribed period during which a widow does not adorn herself and keeps to her passed away husband's home) regarding her clothes, using telephones, and visiting neighbors?

A: It is Haram (prohibited) for a widow who is in her `Iddah (woman's prescribed waiting period after divorce or widowhood) to adorn her clothes, to ornament herself with jewelry, to dye her hair, or to use an eyeliner or any cosmetics. However, it is permissible for such a widow to trim her nails as prescribed by Sunnah (whatever is reported from the Prophet) and to cut the hair of the body that should be cut according to Shar` (Islamic law). On the other hand, it is Haram for a widow who is still in her `Iddah to apply perfume to her body and clothes and it is Wajib (obligatory) on her to stay at her deceased husband's home until the expiry of her `Iddah. Nevertheless, she is permitted to go out for her necessary needs in the day time but not at night and she is permitted to use telephones provided that no Fitnah (temptation) is feared. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.