Iḥdād (احداد)
Definition
Iḥdād (احداد) refers to the specific period of mourning that a widow observes following the death of her husband. According to Islamic law, this period lasts for four months and ten days.
Etymology
The term Iḥdād (احداد) is derived from Arabic root words associated with mourning and grief. The phonetic pronunciation is ih-dad.
Duration and Rules
The duration of Iḥdād is prescribed explicitly in the Qur’an, offering a specific timeline that establishes a framework for Islamic mourning practices.
- Duration: Four months and ten days.
- Actions During Iḥdād:
- A widow should refrain from beautifying herself (no makeup, perfumes, or elaborate clothing).
- Participation in social and celebratory gatherings is generally avoided.
Quranic Reference
The specific reference to this mourning period can be found in the Qur’an:
<p>“And those of you who die and leave behind wives should bequeath for their wives a maintenance for one year without turning them out, but if they leave (there is no blame on you for what they do of themselves) provided it is not harmful. And Allah is Exalted in Power, Wise.” <em>(Surah Al-Baqarah 2:234)</em></p>
Significance
The Iḥdād period has both emotional and practical significance:
- Emotional: It allows the widow to grieve and deal with her loss in a culturally prescribed manner.
- Practical: Serves as a waiting period to ensure that the widow is not pregnant, aligning with the rules of Hijab and ensuring clarity in socio-legal matters.
Etymology and Translations
- Arabic: احداد
- Phonetics: Iḥdād
- Turkish: Yas tutma süresi (mourning period)
Suggested Books for Further Studies
- “Islamic Jurisprudence” by Imran Ahsan Khan Nyazee
- “Fiqh al-Sunnah” by Sayyid Sabiq
- “Women in the Qur’an, Traditions, and Interpretation” by Barbara Freyer Stowasser
Takeaways
- Iḥdād is a prescribed mourning period in Islam specifically for widows, lasting for four months and ten days.
- The practice ensures that the widow has the time and space to grieve and manage her affairs.
- Its rules reflect the customs and traditions that safeguard the social and emotional wellbeing of the widow, while maintaining Islamic legal and ethical standards.
Conclusion
Understanding Iḥdād provides insight into Islamic bereavement practices, highlighting the community’s approach to supporting individuals through grief while ensuring social and familial responsibilities are met. This practice underscores the intersection of emotion, law, and tradition within Islam’s comprehensive socio-legal system.
