❖ Guidelines for a Mourning Woman According to Islamic Law ❖
This response is derived from the book “500 Questions and Answers for Women,” which includes the fatwas of the Scholars of the Haramain, translated by Hafiz Abdullah Saleem.
❖ Question:
What are the Islamic rulings a woman must adhere to when mourning the death of her husband?
❖ Answer:
According to authentic Hadith, a woman who mourns her husband must observe the following rulings:
❶ Residence During the ‘Iddah Period
- The woman must reside in the house where her husband passed away until her ‘iddah (waiting period) ends.
- The ‘iddah period is four months and ten days, unless she is pregnant, in which case the ‘iddah ends upon delivery of the child.
Evidence from the Qur’an:
﴿وَأُولَاتُ الْأَحْمَالِ أَجَلُهُنَّ أَنْ يَضَعْنَ حَمْلَهُنَّ﴾
“And for those who are pregnant, their term is until they deliver their burden.”
[Surah At-Talaq 65:4]
- During this period, she should not leave the house except for necessity, such as:
- Visiting the hospital due to illness,
- Buying essential food items if no one else is available,
- In case the house becomes uninhabitable,
- To protect her life or honor.
❷ Avoiding Adornment and Beautification
- She must avoid wearing beautified clothing—specifically those that are eye-catching or colored to draw attention (e.g., bright yellow, green).
- She may wear simple garments even if black or green, as long as they are not considered beautified attire.
- The Prophet ﷺ emphasized simplicity during mourning.
❸ Prohibition of Jewelry
- She is not allowed to wear:
- Necklaces,
- Bangles,
- Rings,
- Any form of jewelry made from gold, silver, diamonds, or pearls.
❹ Avoidance of Perfume or Fragrance
- No form of perfume is allowed during mourning:
- Incense (bukhoor),
- Any scented products.
- Exception: After menses, she may use a light scented substance for purification purposes.
❺ Avoiding Eye Makeup or Enhancements
- She must refrain from using kohl (surma) or any other cosmetics that beautify the face and can be a source of attraction for men.
- General hygienic items like soap and water are allowed.
- However, anything used for facial enhancement or beautification is strictly prohibited.
✿ Common Misconceptions Clarified:
It is a myth and has no basis in Islam to claim that a mourning woman:
✘ Cannot speak to anyone.
✘ Cannot answer the phone.
✘ Can only bathe once a week.
✘ Must not walk barefoot.
✘ Must not walk in the moonlight.
Reality according to Sharī‘ah:
✔ She can walk barefoot or with shoes in the home.
✔ She may cook food for herself or guests.
✔ She can walk on the rooftop or in the courtyard under moonlight.
✔ She may bathe whenever she needs to.
✔ She can speak respectfully with anyone.
✔ She may greet and shake hands with maḥārim and women.
✘ She must not shake hands with non-maḥram men.
✔ In absence of non-maḥram men, she can remove her head covering.
✘ She must not wear henna or apply any kind of fragrance, including saffron whether in clothing or drink.
✘ She cannot receive a direct proposal for marriage but indirect hints are permitted.
(Former Grand Mufti of Saudi Arabia, Shaykh Ibn Bāz raḥimahullāh)
