Explaining Iddah: Duration and Rules after Divorce or Death

The waiting period (iddah) gives a woman time to grieve, confirm any pregnancy and respect the sanctity of marriage. It also preserves lineage by ensuring that any child born can be attributed to the correct father. The length of iddah varies based on circumstances.

Iddah after divorce

For women who menstruate, iddah lasts for three menstrual cycles. If you do not menstruate (due to age or medical conditions), the iddah is three lunar months. A pregnant woman’s iddah ends with childbirth. During this period, you remain in your marital home and avoid entertaining suitors.

Iddah after the husband’s death

The iddah for a widow is four lunar months and ten days, unless she is pregnant, in which case it ends at delivery. During this time, she stays mostly at home, refrains from beautification and socializing, and spends time reflecting and praying.

Special circumstances

If the marriage was not consummated and a divorce occurs, there is no iddah. For more details on financial support during iddah, see our Iddah Support Calculator. To calculate the actual iddah length based on your situation, explore our Iddah Calculator.

Understanding iddah helps you uphold your rights and responsibilities during a vulnerable time and ensures that you comply with Islamic law.