Observing `Iddah despite giving birth ten days before the husband's death


898

Q: There was a very sick man who was in a hospital in a country other than where his wife lived. He suffered from many serious diseases and he was placed in the Intensive Care Unit (Part No. 20; Page No. 423) during the period of his stay in this hospital. Ten days before his death, his wife gave birth to a child. Is she required to observe `Iddah (woman's prescribed waiting period after divorce or widowhood)? Answer us, may Allah reward you and guide your steps, As-salamu `alaykum warahmatullah wabarakatuh (May Allah's Peace, Mercy, and Blessings be upon you).


A: If the matter is as mentioned, this women must observe four months and ten days `Iddah, for Allah's Statement (Exalted be He): And those of you who die and leave wives behind them, they (the wives) shall wait (as regards their marriage) for four months and ten (days) But had her husband died before her giving birth to the baby by even one hour, her `Iddah would have finished upon her delivery. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.




Tags: