A woman whose husband died before consummation: is she required to observe the waiting period?

Question:
He says: Honorable Shaykh, may Allah grant you success, if a man dies before consummating the marriage with his wife, is she required to observe the waiting period?

Answer:
Yes. If he dies before consummation, she must observe the waiting period and she is entitled to inheritance. The one who does not have to observe a waiting period is the woman divorced during her husband's life, specifically if the divorce occurs before consummation; she has no waiting period. However, if the separation is due to death, the waiting period is obligatory for her, and she is entitled to inheritance, as stated in the hadith and as ruled by the Companions (may Allah be pleased with them). Yes.