Shariah Ruling on Ending ‘Iddah for a Divorced Non-Menopausal Woman When Menstruation Stops
Source: Fatawa Ilmiyyah (Tawzeeḥ al-Ahkam)
Question:
If a non-menopausal (ghair a’isa) woman’s menstruation stops, when does her ‘iddah (waiting period) end?
A woman has been divorced by her husband and is currently observing her ‘iddah. She experienced regular menstruation for two months, but her third menstruation did not occur. Now, two months have passed since the third period was due, meaning a total of five months have passed, yet the third menstruation has still not appeared.
This situation has caused her great concern, as she is unsure when her ‘iddah will end. It is important to note that the woman is young and not menopausal.
The question arises whether she should wait for the third menstruation or if there is an alternative Shariah ruling.
Answer:
Alhamdulillah, and prayers and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah.
In cases where a non-menopausal woman’s menstruation stops during her ‘iddah after divorce, the following ruling by the renowned scholar of Saudi Arabia, Shaykh Ṣāliḥ al-‘Uthaymīn, applies:
✿ Such a woman should wait for her third menstruation. After it occurs, her ‘iddah will be complete, and she may remarry.
✿ However, if the menstruation is significantly delayed—i.e., the waiting period becomes unusually long—then according to Shariah, the woman should wait for up to one year to ensure uterine clearance (istibra’ al-rahim) and certainty of not being pregnant.
Shaykh Ṣāliḥ al-‘Uthaymīn clarified:
✿ During this one-year period, nine months are counted for the possibility of pregnancy and three months as the ‘iddah period.
(Reference: Majmū‘at As’ila Tuhimm al-Usrah al-Muslimah, pp. 61–63)
ھذا ما عندي واللہ أعلم بالصواب
