From that point on she is free to remarry; in fact, it is legally permissible for her to conclude a new marriage contract even before her late husband is buried, for she has already delivered her baby and, as Allah says, “Pregnant women—their term is until they deliver” (Q 65:4). Her waiting period is therefore over, and iḥdād (the mourning abstinence) follows the waiting period.

What, then, is iḥdād? It is for a widow to refrain from the following:

1. Ornamental clothing. She must not wear any garment that people would regard as adornment. Ordinary attire of whatever color—yellow, red, green, and the like—is permissible, provided it is not considered finery that would make observers say, “She has beautified herself.” Such decorative dress is unlawful for her while she is in iḥdād for her husband.

2. Fragrance of every kind—whether oils, incense, scented powders, or anything similar. She is not to perfume herself at all, except when she becomes pure after menstruation; at that time she may apply a small amount merely to the affected area so that no unpleasant odor remains.

3. Jewelry in all its forms. She may not wear jewelry on her feet, hands, neck, ears, chest—nowhere at all. Even a gold tooth must be removed if its removal will cause her no harm; if removal would harm her, she should strive to conceal it by minimizing her laughter so the tooth is not seen.

4. Leaving the house. She must not go out at all except for a necessity or a genuine need—a necessity that arises at night or a need that occurs by day. Without such need or necessity, it is impermissible for her to leave the dwelling in which her husband died and where she is now residing. She is required to remain in that house. Should she say, “I want to visit my neighbors during the day or in the early evening for company and then return home,” we reply, “No; let your neighbors come to you, but you are not to go to them. Stay in the house where your husband passed away and where you are living.” If we suppose she traveled with