`Iddah of a wife whose husband dies outside his homeland

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Q 1: Must the woman whose husband dies outside his home country while she was with him observe her `Iddah (woman's prescribed waiting period after widowhood) in that country or return back to his homeland?

A: She may observe the `Iddah in the country where her husband died while she was with him under the following conditions: There should be a house which the deceased husband lived in where she feels safe and comfortable. She should have no difficulty staying in this country, and there should be some Mahrams (unmarriageable relatives) with her to protect her. If these conditions cannot be met, she may go back to her husband's home country to observe her `Iddah in his house - if possible - where she lived before traveling. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings of Allah be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family and Companions.