How long is iddah, exactly
You want a straight answer on how long you must wait before you can remarry.
How long is iddah, exactly?
It depends on your situation. A menstruating divorcee waits three quru’, a wife who no longer menstruates waits three Hijri months, a pregnant wife waits until she delivers, and a widow waits four months and ten days.[1][2]
This article answers the question directly for each situation. For the fuller picture of iddah, including maintenance and ruju’, see iddah.
How long if you still menstruate?
Three quru’, meaning three complete menstrual cycles, counted from your first cycle after the divorce.[1][2] This applies to most divorced wives who are still in their reproductive years.
Count carefully from the cycle after the divorce, not before it, since an earlier cycle does not count toward the total.
How long if you do not menstruate?
Three Hijri months, which come close to three calendar months. This applies whether the reason is age, a medical condition, or something else affecting your cycle.[1]
If you are unsure whether this applies to you, your Syariah Court registrar or a Peguam Syarie can confirm.
How long if you are pregnant?
Until you deliver, regardless of how far along the pregnancy is when the divorce happens.[1][2] A pregnancy in its early weeks and one close to term both end iddah the same way, at delivery.
How long if you are a widow?
Four months and ten days from the date of your husband’s death.[1][2] If you are pregnant when he dies, your iddah instead lasts until you deliver, whichever is longer.
What’s the most common counting mistake?
Starting the count from the day your husband left, rather than from the divorce itself. If he was gone for months before the talaq was pronounced or the court’s order took effect, that earlier period does not count.
Your iddah begins on the divorce date, so confirm that exact date against your case file before you calculate anything.
What does iddah affect while it runs?
You should not marry or accept a marriage proposal during iddah, and you may be entitled to nafkah iddah, maintenance during the waiting period, unless the court finds nusyuz against you. See nafkah iddah for that claim.
If your divorce is revocable and you and your husband want to resume the marriage before iddah ends, our guide on ruju’ within iddah covers that process.
Still unsure of your exact dates?
Iddah durations apply nationwide, but how your state records your divorce date can affect your calculation. Tell us your situation and the divorce date, and we will help you check it against your file.
Common questions
I don't get regular periods. How is my iddah counted?
If you no longer menstruate, whether from age, a medical condition, or another reason, your iddah is counted as three Hijri months instead of three quru'. Ask a Peguam Syarie or your state's mufti office if you are unsure which applies.
Does the count include the month the talaq happened?
Your iddah starts from the date the talaq is pronounced or the court's order takes effect, and counts forward from there. The exact day-by-day calculation is best confirmed against your case file.
If I was pregnant when he left, does iddah start from then?
No. It starts from the divorce itself, not from when he left home. An earlier period of desertion does not shorten or extend your iddah calculation.
Is there any way to shorten iddah?
The durations reflect JAKIM guidance applied nationwide, and are not adjusted case by case except by the nature of your situation, such as menstruating, pregnant, or widowed.
If you are unsure exactly how long your iddah is, tell us your situation and the relevant date, and we will help you work it out.
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