from it.’” 1 Thus, this ruling was unknown to the senior Companions among the Emigrants and the Helpers until Abd al-Rahmān came and informed them of this hadith.

Another example: Alī ibn Abī Tālib—may Allah be pleased with him—and Abd Allah ibn Abbās—may Allah be pleased with him and his father—held that when a pregnant woman’s husband died, she was required to observe whichever of the two waiting periods was longer: four months and ten days ... or until she gave birth. If she gave birth before four months and ten days had elapsed, they held that her waiting period had not ended and that she must wait until four months and ten days had passed. If four months and ten days elapsed before she gave birth, she remained in her waiting period until she delivered, because Allah Most High says: “As for pregnant women, their term is until they give birth.” 2.