Written by: Ghulam Mustafa Zaheer Amn Puri (May Allah protect him)
Question:
What is the waiting period (iddah) for a woman who was pregnant at the time of her husband's death, according to Islamic law?
Answer:
Whether a woman's husband passes away or she is divorced, in both cases, if she is pregnant, her iddah (waiting period) lasts until she gives birth. This means that the woman will remain in iddah until she delivers her baby. The iddah ends immediately upon the birth of the child, regardless of whether a few days or only a few moments have passed.
Allah Almighty says:
"And for those who are pregnant, their waiting period is until they give birth."
[Surah At-Talaq: 65:4]
There is also a narration about Sabi'ah bint Harith (may Allah be pleased with her), who was pregnant when her husband passed away. A few days after his death, she gave birth to a child. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) permitted her to remarry after the birth of the child.
[Sahih al-Bukhari: 5318, 6906; Sahih Muslim: 1485]
Also refer to: [Sahih al-Bukhari: 5319, Sahih Muslim: 1484, Sahih al-Bukhari: 5320]
Imam Tirmidhi (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
"The scholars, including the companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him), acted upon this. When a woman’s husband dies, if she gives birth, it is permissible for her to remarry, even if her waiting period has not yet completed."
[Sunanan at-Tirmidhi, under Hadith: 1193]
Question:
What is the waiting period (iddah) for a woman who was pregnant at the time of her husband's death, according to Islamic law?
Answer:
Whether a woman's husband passes away or she is divorced, in both cases, if she is pregnant, her iddah (waiting period) lasts until she gives birth. This means that the woman will remain in iddah until she delivers her baby. The iddah ends immediately upon the birth of the child, regardless of whether a few days or only a few moments have passed.
Allah Almighty says:
"And for those who are pregnant, their waiting period is until they give birth."
[Surah At-Talaq: 65:4]
There is also a narration about Sabi'ah bint Harith (may Allah be pleased with her), who was pregnant when her husband passed away. A few days after his death, she gave birth to a child. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) permitted her to remarry after the birth of the child.
[Sahih al-Bukhari: 5318, 6906; Sahih Muslim: 1485]
Also refer to: [Sahih al-Bukhari: 5319, Sahih Muslim: 1484, Sahih al-Bukhari: 5320]
Imam Tirmidhi (may Allah have mercy on him) said:
"The scholars, including the companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him), acted upon this. When a woman’s husband dies, if she gives birth, it is permissible for her to remarry, even if her waiting period has not yet completed."
[Sunanan at-Tirmidhi, under Hadith: 1193]
