The Arabic term Iddat means ‘period of waiting’. It is a period observed by Muslim woman after dissolution of her marriage either by divorce or death of husband. During this period, a Muslim woman is prohibited to contract another marriage contract.
OBJECT OF IDDAT:
The reason behind observing Iddat period is to ascertain whether woman is pregnant or not, as to acknowledge the certainty of paternity for the prevention of confusion regarding percentage in inheritance.
INCIDENTS OF IDDAT:
Iddat period varies in different cases:
1. Iddat of Widow: A widow woman whose husband died, observes iddat for a period of four months and ten days after the death of her husband.
2. Iddat of Divorced: A divorced woman observes iddat for three courses if subject to menstruation, otherwise three lunar months. The period of Iddat when husband dies after the Talaq would commence from his death.
3. Iddat of Pregnant Woman: If the widow or divorcee is pregnant at the time of death of her husband or at the time of divorce, as the case may be, the period of Iddat would extend until she delivers.
4. Iddat for Invalid Marriage: If the marriage is invalid and the parties have separated before actual consummation, there is no Iddat. If consummation took place, the wife is bound to observe Iddat.
PLACE TO OBSERVE IDDAT:
Different incidents regarding place to observe iddat are as under:-
1. It is compulsory to observe Iddat period in the same house where the woman was residing permanently at the time of dissolution of her marriage.
2. If a woman receives the news of her husband’s demise while she was on journey, she is supposed to immediately return to the place of her residence to observe her Iddat provided that her home is within the reach no beyond, else she could return back upon reaching the destination.
3. A woman who was sent to her parental home should return to the home of her husband, upon her husband’s demise in order to complete her Iddat there because according to the rule, Iddat is completed in the house which is the permanent residence of a wife. He parent’s house is not considered as permanent residence.
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