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It is compulsory for a woman to observe mourning for her deceased husband for four months and ten nights. The inclusive wording of the ḥadīth shows that the ruling applies to every wife, whether Muslim or a non-Muslim under Muslim protection, whether elderly or young.
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The Prophet’s expression “who believes in Allah and the Last Day” is meant as a warning and a deterrent.
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The wisdom behind fixing the period at four months and ten nights is that, should she be pregnant, this is the time in which the embryo’s formation is completed and the soul is breathed into it. If she is not pregnant, her womb will by then be unmistakably clear, leaving no room for doubt.
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In practice, ‘iḥdād means that she refrains from everything that might invite intimacy or attract looks—such as adornment and perfume. The detailed rules will follow, Allah willing.
Chapter: What the Mourning Woman Must Avoid (1)
First Ḥadīth
Umm ‘Atiyyah (may Allah be pleased with her) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said:
“A woman is not to mourn for any deceased person for more than three days, except for her husband, for whom the term is four months and ten nights. She must not wear a dyed garment apart from a garment of ‘aṣb, nor apply kohl, nor touch perfume—anything at all—except that, once she becomes pure, she may use a small amount of qust or azfār.”
Lexical Notes
• ‘aṣb: cloth woven in Yemen, showing alternating white and black bands.
• nubaḏah: a small piece or modest quantity.
• qust: a fragrant wood used as incense, especially for post-partum women.
• azfār: a type of perfume; some describe it as a black scent whose pieces resemble fingernails.