Iddah (الإعداد)
Iddah, also spelled ‘idda or ‘iddat (Arabic: العِدَّة, al-ʿiddah), refers to the waiting period a woman must observe following the death of her spouse or a divorce. The purpose of this period is multifaceted, including allowing for the ascertainment of whether she is pregnant, ensuring lineage clarity, and providing time for emotional healing.
Etymology
The term “iddah” is derived from the Arabic root ع-د-د (ʿ-d-d), which implies counting or measuring, indicating the specified duration of the waiting period.
Legal Basis and Duration
The legal foundation of iddah is established in the Qur’an, specifically in Surah Al-Baqarah (2:228 and 2:234):
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:228):
<p>“Divorced women shall wait (for) three monthly periods (iddah), and it is not lawful for them to conceal what God has created in their wombs…”</p>
Surah Al-Baqarah (2:234):
<p>“Those of you who die and leave wives behind, they (the wives) shall wait (as regards their marriage) for four months and ten days…”</p>
After Divorce
The waiting period after a divorce (ṭalāq) is generally three lunar months (approximately 90 days).
After Death of Spouse
Following the death of a spouse, the waiting period extends to four lunar months and ten days (approximately 130 days). This extended duration helps ensure there is no pregnancy resulting from the marriage.
Purpose of Iddah
- Certainty of Lineage: It ensures the husband’s lineage is known, avoiding any confusion regarding the paternity of a child if the woman is pregnant.
- Respect and Reflection: It provides a period of mourning and emotional adjustment for the woman.
- Clearance from Previous Relationship: Ensures a clean break from the past relationship before entering into a new one.
Cultural Practices
In different cultures, the observance of iddah may involve specific practices, such as refraining from social events, wearing modest or subdued clothing, and neighbors or family checking in on the widow or divorced woman.
Legal and Theological Discourse
Islamic jurists (faqīhs) from various schools of thought discuss the nuances of iddah, including circumstances like pregnancy during iddah, menopause-altered durations, and instances of marriage annulment.
Suggested Readings
For those interested in gaining deeper insights into the concept of iddah and its place within Islamic jurisprudence and societal implications, the following books are recommended:
- “The Islamic Law of Personal Status” by Jamal J. Nasir
- “Women and Shari’a Law: The Impact of Legal Pluralism in the UK” by Elham Manea
- “The Rights of Women in Islam” by Asghar Ali Engineer
Takeaways
- Iddah is an essential practice in Islamic law for women after divorce or the death of a spouse.
- Its duration is meticulously legislated in the Qur’an.
- Provides benefits such as ensuring proper lineage and offering a period for emotional healing.
Conclusion
Iddah represents a significant Islamic legal and social construct aimed at protecting the dignity and welfare of women. Its comprehensive implications within the Islamic tradition highlight its importance in maintaining familial and societal integrity.
