Should a wife whose marriage was not consummated observe `Iddah?

Q 3: A person concluded the marriage contract with a woman but died before consummating the marriage. Please tell us if his wife has to observe `Iddah (woman's prescribed waiting period after divorce or widowhood) or not.

A: A widowed woman has to observe `Iddah, whether her marriage is consummated or not. The `Iddah is four months and ten days and nights. Allah (Exalted be He) says: 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. 400) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.