❖ Extracted from Fatāwā Amunpuri by Shaykh Ghulām Mustafa Zaheer Amunpuri ❖
✿ Is a Widow Entitled to Maintenance (Nafaqah) During Her ʿIddah? ✿
The Ruling:
A woman observing ʿiddah after the death of her husband is only entitled to financial maintenance (nafaqah) if she is pregnant at the time of her husband’s death.
If she is pregnant, her expenses are paid from her deceased husband’s estate until she gives birth. If she is not pregnant, no one is responsible for her expenses during the ʿiddah—not even the deceased husband's family.
Evidence from the Qur’ān:
❀ Allah ﷻ says:
﴿وَإِن كُنَّ أُولَاتِ حَمْلٍ فَأَنفِقُوا عَلَيْهِنَّ حَتَّىٰ يَضَعْنَ حَمْلَهُنَّ﴾
“And if they (the women) are pregnant, then spend on them until they deliver their burden (child).”
Sūrah al-Ṭalāq (65:6) Supporting Hadith:
❀ Fāṭimah bint Qays رضي الله عنها was divorced with three final (irrevocable) divorces. The Prophet ﷺ told her:
«لا نَفَقَةَ لَكِ إِلَّا أَنْ تَكُونِي حَامِلًا»
“There is no maintenance for you unless you are pregnant.”
Sunan Abī Dāwūd: 2290 – Authentic chain◈ Summary of Key Points:
① A widow receives maintenance during ʿiddah only if she is pregnant.
② The maintenance is taken from her deceased husband’s wealth.
③ If she is not pregnant, she is not entitled to financial support during ʿiddah.
④ This is based on clear Qur’anic injunction and authentic Prophetic Sunnah.
