What a woman must observe when the marriage contract ends

Separation between husband and wife is of two kinds: the first occurs while both spouses are alive, and the second is caused by death. In either case the woman is obliged to observe the waiting period (ʿiddah), a legally prescribed interval. Its wisdom lies in safeguarding the sanctity of the marriage that has now concluded, ensuring that the womb is free of pregnancy so that no other man cohabits with her and lineage is not confused, honouring the former marital bond, respecting the right of the departing husband, and manifesting the impact of his loss.

The waiting periods are four types.

Type One – The ʿiddah of a pregnant woman

This ends upon delivery, whether the divorce was irrevocable or revocable, and whether the separation occurred in the husband’s lifetime or after his death. Allah the Exalted says, “As for those who are pregnant, their term ends when they deliver their burden.” (al-Ṭalāq 65:4) (1)

Type Two – The ʿiddah of a menstruating divorcée

It is three menstrual cycles, as Allah says, “Divorced women shall wait for themselves for three periods.” (al-Baqarah 2:228) (2), meaning three complete menses.

Type Three – The woman who does not menstruate

She is of two categories: a young girl who