Shaykh al-Islām—may Allah have mercy on him—also said:
Section
A woman observing the waiting period following her husband’s death must wait four months and ten days. She must avoid adornment and perfume on her body and clothing: she must neither adorn nor perfume herself, nor wear clothing intended for adornment. She must remain in her home, going out during the day only for a need, and at night only out of necessity.
She may eat anything Allah has permitted, such as fruit and meat, whether from male or female animals. The Muslim scholars agree that she may eat these things. Likewise, she may drink any permissible beverages. She may wear cotton, linen, and other fabrics Allah has permitted. She is not required to make white garments, or garments of any other colour, for her waiting period; rather, she may wear checked garments. However, she must not wear clothing that women use for adornment, such as red, yellow, bright green, bright blue, and similar colours. She must not wear jewellery, such as bracelets, anklets, and necklaces, nor apply henna or any other dye to herself.
She is not prohibited from undertaking any permissible work, such as embroidery, sewing, spinning, and other activities women engage in.