What is required of the wife after the death of her husband
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His Eminence the Shaykh: There is a man who passed away and left behind an elderly, sick wife. I do not know what is required of her?
When a person dies, it is obligatory for his wife to observe the waiting period ('iddah) for four months and ten days, unless she is pregnant, in which case it lasts until she gives birth. It is also obligatory for her to observe the state of mourning (ihsad) during this waiting period. Ihsad means that she must avoid perfumes, except for the type of fragrance used after menstruation, such as when a woman perfumes her private parts, or something like incense, in which case there is no harm. She must avoid henna on the head, hands, or feet. She must avoid kohl and beautifying the face with makeup or the like. She must avoid jewelry, clothes of adornment, and leaving the house except out of need or dire necessity, whether she is elderly or young. These are seven things.
The questioner: As for the clothing, O Shaykh?The Shaykh: She may wear whatever clothes she wishes, provided she does not wear clothes of adornment or beauty, whether they are black, green, or any other color.
When a person dies, it is obligatory for his wife to observe the waiting period ('iddah) for four months and ten days, unless she is pregnant, in which case it lasts until she gives birth. It is also obligatory for her to observe the state of mourning (ihsad) during this waiting period. Ihsad means that she must avoid perfumes, except for the type of fragrance used after menstruation, such as when a woman perfumes her private parts, or something like incense, in which case there is no harm. She must avoid henna on the head, hands, or feet. She must avoid kohl and beautifying the face with makeup or the like. She must avoid jewelry, clothes of adornment, and leaving the house except out of need or dire necessity, whether she is elderly or young. These are seven things.
The questioner: As for the clothing, O Shaykh?The Shaykh: She may wear whatever clothes she wishes, provided she does not wear clothes of adornment or beauty, whether they are black, green, or any other color.