does not menstruate, and an older woman who has ceased to menstruate. Allah, exalted is He, clarified the waiting period for both categories when He said: “As for those of your women who have despaired of menstruation—if you are in doubt—their term is three months; and the same applies to those who have not yet menstruated.” (al-Ṭalāq 65:4) (1) In other words, their ʿiddah is likewise three months.
Type Four – The widow
Allah defined her waiting period in His statement: “Those of you who die and leave wives behind must have their wives wait by themselves for four months and ten nights.” (al-Baqarah 2:234) (2) This includes women with whom the marriage was consummated and those with whom it was not, the young as well as the old. A pregnant widow, however, is excluded, for she is governed by His words: “And pregnant women—their term ends when they deliver.” (al-Ṭalāq 65:4)
(End of the citation from al-Hadī al-Nabawī by Ibn al-Qayyim, 5/594–595, verified edition.)
What is forbidden with respect to a woman in ʿiddah
- Proposing marriage to her
a) The revocably divorced woman: It is unlawful to propose to her, whether explicitly or by indirect hint, because she still has the legal status of a wife; no one may ask for her hand while she remains under her husband’s authority.
b) The irrevocably divorced woman: An explicit proposal is forbidden, whereas an indirect allusion is permissible;