QUESTION:
Regarding Iddah durations (widow, menstruating, non-menstruating, irregular cycles etc.)… When exactly does iddah start? From divorce date or first menstrual cycle after divorce?
ANSWER:
The woman who is given Talaq (divorce) or whose husband passes away, her ‘Iddah (waiting period) begins immediately after the Talaq takes place or immediately after the husband’s death. From that very time, the days of ‘Iddah will be counted, and it will be necessary to observe the rulings of ‘Iddah. It is not the case that it will be counted from when menstruation begins after divorce or after some days have passed following the death.
Remember, if the woman is not pregnant, then the ‘Iddah of death is four months and ten days. If she is pregnant, then she must observe ‘Iddah of four months and ten days; this is not connected to menstruation.
It is mentioned in Al-Binayah Sharh al-Hidayah:
(وابتداء العدة في الطلاق عقيب الطلاق، وفي الوفاة عقيب الوفاة)
[Al-Binayah Sharh al-Hidayah, Vol. 5, p. 610]
Answered by: Mubashir Attari (AskMufti Scholar)
Verified by: Mufti Sajid Attari
Translated answer
Date: 20th February 2026.
