Two wives equally sharing the period of `Iddah

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Q: How can the two wives of a dead husband observe `Iddah (woman's prescribed waiting period after divorce or widowhood)? We have heard that they can share the period of `Iddah equally, but we are not sure about that.

A: If the reality is as you mentioned; that a man dies leaving behind two wives, each shall observe a complete term of `Iddah which lasts for four months (Part No. 20; Page No. 424) and ten days. If one or both of the wives happen to be pregnant, they will have to observe `Iddah until the baby is delivered. The opinion you have heard that the period of `Iddah can be equally shared by the two wives is incorrect. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.