Is the wife, who is observing the 'iddah (waiting period) after being divorced by phone while she is in her family's home, obligated to return to her apartment, or is it permissible for her to remain in her family's home and go out to her apartment? And is it permissible to conceal the news of the divorce from the family for a period?
A irrevocably divorced woman may observe her ' (waiting period) wherever she wishes, in a secure place. Some Hanbalis are of the opinion that if her husband permits her to reside in his house without causing harm, then she must observe her 'iddah there. The woman observing 'iddah must spend her nights in her home and should not leave it during the day except out of necessity. Concealing the news of the divorce from her family is permissible as long as it does not lead to harm. Bearing witness to a divorce is a (prophetic tradition), based on the Almighty’s saying: "Then either retain them in honour or separate from them in honour. And take as witness two just persons from among yourselves."
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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