Muslimah

Question What are the regulations concerning the idda of a widow? I have been told that she cannot leave her husband's house at all during the 4 months and 10 days, but other say she must only be careful to leave only for true needs and must never sleep away from her husband's house during this time. I have also been told that she cannot wash or comb her hair. The latter especially seems contrary to Islam regarding cleanliness. A detailed response would be greatly appreciated. Jazakum Allahu khayran Answer Praise be to Allaah. Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): 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, then when they have fulfilled their term, there is no sin on you if they (the wives) dispose of themselves in a just and honourable manner (i.e., they can marry). And Allaah is Well-Acquainted with what you do. [al-Baqarah 2:234] And those of you who die ...

Question There is a woman whose husband has died, and she wants to travel for Hajj during the ‘iddah. Is that permissible for her? Please note that she has already performed the obligatory Hajj. Answer Praise be to Allaah. The woman whose husband has died must observe ‘iddah for four months and ten days, because Allaah says (interpretation of the meaning): “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” [al-Baqarah 2:234] During the ‘iddah she must mourn for her husband. Al-Bukhaari (1280) and Muslim (1486) narrated that Umm Habeebah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: I heard the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) say: “It is not permissible for a woman who believes in Allaah and the Last Day to mourn for anyone who dies for more than three days, except for a husband, for whom she should mourn for four months and ten days.” In the answer to ...