Enumerate the types of ’Iddah and explain how they are observed.
Explanation
What is an Iddah Period?
This is the period of time that a woman that is in the process of officially being separated from her husband legislatively, in which she does not remarry. The iddah period leaves open time for the husband and wife to reconcile and continue on with their marriage, as long as it is done before the period has ended.
What are the types of woman that has an Iddah Period?
- The woman that her husband has passed away.
- The woman that her husband is still alive.
What are the iddah periods for these types of woman?
- The one who’s husband has passed away;
- If she is pregnant her iddah period is until she delivers the child.
- If she is not pregnant her iddah period is four months and ten days.
- The one who’s husband is alive;
- If she is pregnant her iddah period is until she delivers the child.
- If she is not pregnant her iddah period is;
- If she still has her menstrual cycle, three periods of purifying herself after her menses.
- If she no longer has here menses, she must wait a period of three months.
An Important Side Note:
A woman that has been divorced after being married, but before the marriage was consummated, has no iddah period that she must observe.