❖ 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.
What are the Islamic rulings a woman must adhere to when mourning the death of her husband?
According to authentic Hadith, a woman who mourns her husband must observe the following rulings:
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]
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)
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)
