Iddah after your husband's death, how long

How long is iddah after a husband’s death?

A widow’s iddah is four months and ten days, counted from the date of her husband’s death.^[1][2] This differs from a divorce iddah, which is usually three months or three quru’.

Amid the grief of loss, understanding this period helps you plan the next steps without rushing.

Why does a widow’s iddah differ from a divorce iddah?

A widow’s iddah exists as part of the mourning process and honours a marriage that ended in death, not just a matter of confirming a child’s lineage as in divorce. That is why its duration is set differently from a divorce iddah.

For a full picture of every iddah duration, see the iddah page.

What if I was pregnant when my husband passed away?

If you were pregnant when your husband died, your iddah follows the pregnancy period instead, lasting until you deliver, not the four-months-and-ten-days period.^[1] Read more on iddah duration while pregnant to understand this difference.

What usually needs handling during this period?

Besides going through mourning, many widows also need to start arranging matters related to the death certificate, registration, and the early steps of the husband’s estate. Estate matters usually begin as a process separate from the iddah period itself.

If you also have an unresolved maintenance or property claim from before the death, the nafkah iddah page explains how such a claim works.

Can I remarry before this period ends?

You should not. The iddah period needs to be completed first before a new marriage can happen, as part of honouring the marriage that has ended.

What should you do now?

Give yourself space to mourn, while starting to keep important documents such as the death certificate and letters related to your husband’s estate for later matters. You do not need to handle everything alone or in a rush.

Tell us your situation, and we will help you understand your iddah period and the steps to take during and after it.