Iddah
عدة
Pronunciation: IH-dah
The post-divorce (or post-widowhood) waiting period during which the wife is entitled to maintenance.
Definition
The mandatory waiting period after divorce or the death of a husband, during which the wife cannot remarry. Iddah serves multiple purposes: confirming whether the wife is pregnant, providing time for reconciliation, and giving the wife a period of stability and financial maintenance. Quranic basis: 2:228, 2:234, 65:1.
Duration depends on circumstance — typically three menstrual cycles for divorce, four months and ten days for widowhood. In an Islamic prenup, iddah maintenance is preserved as a fixed financial obligation that a U.S. court can enforce alongside the prenup's other terms.
Related Terms
Talaqطلاق
Husband-initiated divorce in Islamic law.
Khulaخلع
Wife-initiated divorce in Islamic law, typically involving the return of mahr.
Mahrمهر
The obligatory bridal gift in Islamic marriage — a financial right of the wife, due from the husband.
Nikahنكاح
The Islamic marriage contract — verbal or written, requiring offer, acceptance, and witnesses.
Compare Related Products
See how Iddah is used in real Shariah-compliant financial products available in the U.S.
Further Reading
Read more on WikipediaStay Updated
Get halal finance updates, new provider alerts, and expert insights
No spam ever. Unsubscribe in one click.
Iddah (عدة) — The post-divorce (or post-widowhood) waiting period during which the wife is entitled to maintenance. The mandatory waiting period after divorce or the death of a husband, during which the wife cannot remarry. Iddah serves multiple purposes: confirming whether the wife is pregnant, providing time for reconciliation, and giving the wife a period of stability and financial maintenance.
- The post-divorce (or post-widowhood) waiting period during which the wife is entitled to maintenance.
- Category: Contracts
- Related: Talaq, Khula, Mahr, Nikah
- Compare related Shariah-compliant products on HalalWallet
How to cite this page
Preferred format:
For time-sensitive claims (rates, fees, state availability), please verify directly with the provider's official documentation and note the retrieval date.
Sources and review process
This page is reviewed against HalalWallet editorial standards and source documentation.
Reviewed by: HalalWallet Editorial Team
Last reviewed: 2026-05-01
Editorial Team, HalalWallet
Independent halal finance research · A member of Niya
Reviewed quarterly and updated for major content changes.