if he had not consummated the marriage, both women observe the waiting period for death. The same rule applies when consummation did take place and both wives are of those whose ʿiddah is reckoned by months or by menstrual cycles, provided the divorce was revocable. If, however, the divorce was irrevocable, each wife must fulfil whichever of the two periods is longer: the death ʿiddah or three menstrual cycles—the first on account of the husband’s death, the second on account of the divorce.

A woman whose husband has disappeared and from whom no news is received may not remarry until his death or a divorce is confirmed. In the Qadīm (earlier) position she waits four full years, then observes the death ʿiddah and may marry. Should a judge rule according to that earlier view, his judgment is set aside in favour of the Jadīd (later) position, according to the sounder opinion. If she has already married after completing the four-year wait and the ensuing ʿiddah, the new marriage stands on the stronger view.

Mourning (iḥdād) is obligatory for a widow in her waiting period, but not for a woman in a revocable divorce. It is recommended for one in an irrevocable divorce, although another opinion makes it obligatory. Iḥdād consists in refraining from wearing any dyed garment meant for adornment, even if the fabric is coarse. Some hold that cloth whose yarn was dyed before weaving is permissible. Undyed garments of cotton, wool, or linen are permitted, and—according to the stronger view—so is pure silk. Dyed cloth not intended as adornment is likewise allowed.

During iḥdād it is forbidden to wear gold or silver jewellery, and, according to the more reliable opinion, pearls as well. Perfume—whether on the body, clothes, or food—is prohibited, as are kohl and antimony save for necessity such as conjunctivitis, and cosmetics like isfidāj, together with henna and similar dyes. It remains lawful to beautify bedding and furnishings and to keep clean by washing the head, trimming the nails, and removing dirt.

I add: combing the hair and bathing are also permissible, provided the bath does not entail any forbidden exposure. If she neglects mourning she sins, yet the ʿiddah still counts, just as it would if she left the prescribed residence. Should news of the husband’s death reach her only after the period has elapsed, the ʿiddah is deemed complete. She may mourn someone other than her husband for up to three days; anything beyond that is forbidden. Allah knows best.

Section

Housing is obligatory for a woman in ʿiddah after divorce—even if the divorce was irrevocable—unless she is defiantly disobedient, and it is likewise due to a widow according to the sounder view, as well as to a woman whose marriage ended by annulment, according to the school. She must remain in the dwelling she occupied at the time of separation, and neither her husband nor anyone else may evict her, nor may she leave.

I add: during the waiting period for death, and likewise in an irrevocable divorce, she may go out in the daytime to buy provisions, spin yarn, and the like, and likewise