What is the ruling regarding divorcing one's wife after she has resided in her family's home for a year without cohabitation, and does she have to observe a waiting period (iddah) in this case, or did her waiting period conclude during her absence?

A woman divorced by her husband after a long absence must observe the 'iddah (waiting period), which begins from the date of the divorce. Sheikh Ibn Baz was asked about a woman divorced by khul' (divorce at the wife's instance) after her husband's 20-year absence. He stated that observing the 'iddah is obligatory, citing Allah's saying: (Divorced women remain in waiting for three periods). He clarified that the wisdom behind the 'iddah is not limited to ensuring the womb is clear but includes other wisdoms. He further explained that if the divorce is khul' in exchange for money, one menstrual cycle is sufficient for the woman's 'iddah. This was the fatwa of Uthman ibn Affan and a group of the Salaf and Khalaf. It was also chosen by Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah and Ibn al-Qayyim, and it is the correct view, especially if there is a need.