Can a Widow Move Homes During 'Iddah After Her Husband's Death?

Widow Changing Her Residence During the 'Iddah Period
Source: Fatawa 'Ulama-e-Hadith, Kitab al-Salah, Volume 1

❖ Question​

If a woman’s husband passes away and she lives in a rented house, while her parental family resides far away and her brother cannot stay with her due to work commitments, can she move to her parents' home to observe her 'iddah?

❖ Answer​

It is obligatory for a widow to observe her 'iddah in the same house where she was residing at the time of her husband’s death and where she received the news of his passing. This ruling is based on the command of the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.

❖ Saying of the Prophet ﷺ​

«امكثي في بيتك الذي جاء فيه نعي زوجك حتى يبلغ الكتاب أجله»
(Narrated by Abu Dawood 2300, al-Tirmidhi 1204, al-Nasa’i 200, Ibn Majah 2031; authenticated by al-Albani)

"Remain in the house in which you received the news of your husband’s death until the prescribed period (of 'iddah) is completed.”

Fari'ah bint Malik رضي الله عنها narrated that she observed her 'iddah for four months and ten days in that very house.

❖ View of the Scholars​

Most scholars, acting upon this Hadith, agree that the woman must observe her 'iddah in the house where she received the news of her husband’s death. However, exceptions are permitted in certain circumstances:

◈ If the woman’s life is in danger
◈ If there is no one to fulfill her needs and she is unable to do so herself

❖ Statement of Imam Ibn Qudamah​

"It is necessary for a widow to observe her 'iddah in her home, as narrated from Umar, Uthman, Ibn Umar, Ibn Mas‘ood, and Umm Salamah رضي الله عنهم. This is also the view of Imam Malik, Imam Thawri, Imam Awza‘i, Imam Abu Hanifah, Imam Shafi‘i, and Ishaq."
(Al-Mughni, Volume 8, Page 127)

If the widow faces danger from a collapsing house, flooding, or enemy threat, she may relocate, as this constitutes a valid excuse.

❖ Fatwa from the Permanent Committee​

If a woman’s husband has passed away and no one is available in the area to fulfill her needs, then she may relocate to another city where she can feel safe and have her necessities met.
(Fatawa al-Lajnah al-Da'imah lil-Buhuth al-‘Ilmiyyah wal-Ifta, Volume 20, Page 473)

❖ Conclusion​

Therefore, if the woman mentioned in the question cannot afford the rent or feels unsafe living alone, it is permissible for her to relocate to her parental home to observe her 'iddah. There is no Shari’ah violation in this matter.