An elderly woman whose husband passed away while he was ill and incapacitated, so she did not observe the waiting period for him, but rather she would leave her home to stay with her children because she was unable to remain alone.
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The questioner : The questioner says: An elderly woman, whose age is approximately sixty-five years, lost her husband. This husband was incapacitated and ill, so she did not observe the waiting period for him. Rather, she would leave her home to stay with her children because she was unable to remain alone in the house. It is known that she did not adorn herself or use perfume. The question is: Does she commit a sin in this? And what is required of her?
The Shaykh : A woman whose husband has died must observe the waiting period, which is four months and ten days from his death or the delivery of her pregnancy. It is obligatory for her during this waiting period to remain in her house and not leave it except for a legitimate religious excuse. Among the legitimate religious excuses is if she becomes ill and needs to go to the hospital, or if the judge needs her for the inventory of the inheritance, for example, or other reasons that permit her to leave. However, without a reason, it is not permissible. Therefore, it is not permissible for her to leave to visit her neighbors or relatives, or for the festival prayer, or the like. Rather, she remains in her house. But if she is compelled to leave, such as if she fears for her safety if she remains in the house, or if heavy rains come that threaten to collapse the house upon her, or if a fire breaks out in the house that prevents her from staying, then she may leave, even at night. The scholars (may Allah have mercy on them) mentioned that she may leave during the day for her needs, such as leaving to buy her household necessities if she has no one to buy them for her. It is also forbidden for a woman whose husband has died to use perfume, apply kohl, use scent, curl her hair, wear clothes of adornment, or wear jewelry. All of this is forbidden for her until the waiting period is completed. As for speaking with men, addressing them, answering the telephone, answering the door, and the like, this is lawful and there is no harm in it. Likewise, there is no harm in her taking a bath every day, every week, every month, or not taking a bath except during menstruation, for she has no specific ruling regarding bathing. She may pray at the beginning of the time or the end of the time, whether people pray or not.
The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.
The Shaykh : A woman whose husband has died must observe the waiting period, which is four months and ten days from his death or the delivery of her pregnancy. It is obligatory for her during this waiting period to remain in her house and not leave it except for a legitimate religious excuse. Among the legitimate religious excuses is if she becomes ill and needs to go to the hospital, or if the judge needs her for the inventory of the inheritance, for example, or other reasons that permit her to leave. However, without a reason, it is not permissible. Therefore, it is not permissible for her to leave to visit her neighbors or relatives, or for the festival prayer, or the like. Rather, she remains in her house. But if she is compelled to leave, such as if she fears for her safety if she remains in the house, or if heavy rains come that threaten to collapse the house upon her, or if a fire breaks out in the house that prevents her from staying, then she may leave, even at night. The scholars (may Allah have mercy on them) mentioned that she may leave during the day for her needs, such as leaving to buy her household necessities if she has no one to buy them for her. It is also forbidden for a woman whose husband has died to use perfume, apply kohl, use scent, curl her hair, wear clothes of adornment, or wear jewelry. All of this is forbidden for her until the waiting period is completed. As for speaking with men, addressing them, answering the telephone, answering the door, and the like, this is lawful and there is no harm in it. Likewise, there is no harm in her taking a bath every day, every week, every month, or not taking a bath except during menstruation, for she has no specific ruling regarding bathing. She may pray at the beginning of the time or the end of the time, whether people pray or not.
The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.