When a widow’s ʿiddah ends
A widow’s ʿiddah is four months and ten days from her husband’s death, or until she gives birth if she is pregnant. Enter the date he died to see when four months and ten days have passed.
What the ʿiddah and mourning are
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Four months and ten days
A widow’s waiting period after her husband’s death is four months and ten days. Those who are taken in death among you and leave wives behind: they shall wait four months and ten days.
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If she is pregnant
A pregnant widow’s term ends with the birth.
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Mourning (iḥdād)
The prescribed mourning means setting aside adornment, such as perfume, jewellery, kohl, henna and clothes worn to look beautiful. A woman keeps it for no more than three days for any death, except for her husband: then for the length of her ʿiddah, four months and ten days, or until she gives birth if she is pregnant. Kohl or the like needed as treatment is allowed, and washing, combing and keeping clean are not adornment.
Ṣaḥīḥ al-Bukhārī 1280 · Qurʾān, al-Baqarah 2:234 · Ibn ʿĀbidīn, Radd al-Muḥtār (Ḥanafī), 3:530–538 · Al-Dardīr, al-Sharḥ al-Kabīr, with Ḥāshiyat al-Dasūqī (Mālikī), 2:478–479 and 2:484–487 · Al-Ramlī, Nihāyat al-Muḥtāj (Shāfiʿī), 7:149–157 · Ibn Qudāmah, al-Mughnī (Ḥanbalī), 8:154–163
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Staying in her home
She spends the ʿiddah in her home and sleeps there. All four schools let her go out by day for her needs, and the books’ reasons (she supports herself; the day is the time for needs and livelihood) cover work, shopping and appointments. She may move if the home becomes unsafe, or if she cannot pay the rent. The schools differ on smaller details, such as undyed silk or plain oil; ask your imam or a woman scholar.
Ibn ʿĀbidīn, Radd al-Muḥtār (Ḥanafī), 3:530–538 · Al-Dardīr, al-Sharḥ al-Kabīr, with Ḥāshiyat al-Dasūqī (Mālikī), 2:478–479 and 2:484–487 · Al-Ramlī, Nihāyat al-Muḥtāj (Shāfiʿī), 7:149–157 · Ibn Qudāmah, al-Mughnī (Ḥanbalī), 8:154–163
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Helping her
After the first days, check in on her quietly with help for errands and appointments. Bring food and help with the household.
Last checked against its sources: October 2026 · Sources · Something wrong? Tell us