Rules of ʿIddah and Guidance in Case of Illness
✍ Fatwa by: Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakīl Nāṣir ḥafiẓahullāh
Respected Shaykh, my mother is over 60 years old. Please clarify the rulings of ʿiddah. If she is unwell, is there any allowance or exemption in this regard? Kindly provide detailed guidance.
The duration of ʿiddah is four months and ten days, and this is not affected by age. While there may be differing rules for pregnant versus non-pregnant women, that is not applicable here.
If the husband passes away, the wife, regardless of her age, is required to observe ʿiddah of four months and ten days (arbaʿat ashhurin wa ʿashrā).
❖ The following must be avoided:
◈ Beautification such as applying makeup, wearing perfume, or using scented oils.
◈ Wearing attractive or fancy clothes.
◈ Going out without necessity — she must remain within her home during ʿiddah.
✔ Note:
Bathing for cleanliness or due to heat is permitted.
Wearing simple and clean clothes is also allowed.
✔ If medical treatment is necessary, the woman may visit a doctor during the daytime, while adhering to Islamic boundaries.
✔ There is no sin in taking prescribed medication as long as modesty and Shariah compliance are maintained.
✔ In shāʾ Allāh, there will be no hardship or blame upon her in such a situation.
– The ruling of ʿiddah applies equally to young and elderly women.
– A widow must complete four months and ten days of ʿiddah at home.
– Illness is not a reason to reduce or cancel the ʿiddah, but medical needs are accommodated within Shariah guidelines.
– During this time, she should abstain from beautification and limit movement outside the home to essential medical visits only.
✍ Fatwa by: Shaykh ʿAbd al-Wakīl Nāṣir ḥafiẓahullāh
❖ Question:
Respected Shaykh, my mother is over 60 years old. Please clarify the rulings of ʿiddah. If she is unwell, is there any allowance or exemption in this regard? Kindly provide detailed guidance.
❖ Answer:
The duration of ʿiddah is four months and ten days, and this is not affected by age. While there may be differing rules for pregnant versus non-pregnant women, that is not applicable here.
If the husband passes away, the wife, regardless of her age, is required to observe ʿiddah of four months and ten days (arbaʿat ashhurin wa ʿashrā).
✿ What precautions should be taken during ʿiddah?
❖ The following must be avoided:
◈ Beautification such as applying makeup, wearing perfume, or using scented oils.
◈ Wearing attractive or fancy clothes.
◈ Going out without necessity — she must remain within her home during ʿiddah.
✔ Note:
Bathing for cleanliness or due to heat is permitted.
Wearing simple and clean clothes is also allowed.
✿ In the case of illness:
✔ If medical treatment is necessary, the woman may visit a doctor during the daytime, while adhering to Islamic boundaries.
✔ There is no sin in taking prescribed medication as long as modesty and Shariah compliance are maintained.
✔ In shāʾ Allāh, there will be no hardship or blame upon her in such a situation.
Summary:
– The ruling of ʿiddah applies equally to young and elderly women.
– A widow must complete four months and ten days of ʿiddah at home.
– Illness is not a reason to reduce or cancel the ʿiddah, but medical needs are accommodated within Shariah guidelines.
– During this time, she should abstain from beautification and limit movement outside the home to essential medical visits only.
