Types of women who observe `Iddah

A: There are six categories of women as regards `Iddah: (Part No. 20; Page No. 403) First, a pregnant woman: Her `Iddah, whether she is a widow or divorced, expires upon delivery. This is according to Allah's Saying: 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 Second, a non-pregnant widow: Her `Iddah is four months and ten days following her husband's death. This is according to Allah's Saying: 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) Third, a menstruating woman: Her `Iddah is three menstrual periods. This is according to Allah's Saying: And divorced women shall wait (as regards their marriage) for three menstrual periods Fourth, a woman who does not menstruate, either because she is too young or too old: Her `Iddah is three months. This is according to Allah's Saying: And those of your women as have passed the age of monthly courses, for them the ‘Iddah (prescribed period), if you have doubt (about their periods), is three months; and for those who have no courses [(i.e. they are still immature) The same applies to (Part No. 20; Page No. 404) the woman who experiences Istihadah. Fifth, a woman who no longer has menstrual periods for an unknown reason, her `Iddah is one year. This is based on the following saying of Al-Shafi`y, "This was the judgment of `Umar between Al-Muhajirun (Emigrants from Makkah to Madinah) and Al-Ansar (Helpers, inhabitants of Madinah who supported the Prophet); and no one denies it." Sixth, the wife of a lost man: Her `Iddah is four months and ten days like a widow. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.