Section

A woman whose husband dies while their marriage was valid must observe mourning (iḥdād) for as long as she remains in her ʿidda. A woman who has been irrevocably divorced may do so, but it is not obligatory for her.

Iḥdād means refraining from every form of adornment and fragrance: using saffron, wearing jewellery—even a ring—dressing in coloured garments such as red, yellow, or green, beautifying¹ herself with henna and isfidāj², applying black kohl³, using scented oils, rougeing the face, or plucking its hairs.

She is allowed to wear white, even if the garment is silk.

The widow must spend her waiting period in the house where her husband died, unless that proves impossible. Once the prescribed time has elapsed, the ʿidda ends wherever she may be.