When does the iddah (waiting period) end, taking into consideration the date of death, March 20, 2012? And what is the ruling on using perfumed soap, deodorant, face creams, hair oils, removing excess hair, watching satellite channels and movies, and visiting the dentist during the iddah period?
The waiting period (iddah) is calculated in lunar months from the hour of the husband's death until the same hour [in the fourth month]. If the woman whose husband has died is pregnant, her waiting period ends with childbirth. It is not permissible for the woman in waiting to use perfumed soap, perfumed creams, or those intended for beautification. However, using unperfumed oil is permissible. The woman in waiting is not required to refrain from removing hair that is customarily shaved for cleanliness, such as pubic hair and armpit hair, but it is forbidden for her to remove eyebrow hair (al-namas). It is permissible for the woman in waiting to watch programs that are not religiously forbidden. It is permissible for the woman in waiting to go out during the day to fulfill her needs, provided she returns to sleep in her home. It is also permissible for her to visit a dentist, with the caveat that it is not permissible to seek treatment from a male doctor if a female doctor is available.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/125207