Is the waiting period (iddah) obligatory for a woman whose husband died while he had been absent from her for five years, and what is the ruling on one who does not observe the waiting period or mourning (ihdad) for her deceased husband, and is a husband divorced from his wife and is the contract invalidated according to Islamic law if he is absent from her for a full year?

The 'iddah (waiting period) for a woman whose husband has died is four months and ten days. During this 'iddah period, she must observe 'ihdad (mourning), which involves refraining from perfume, adornment, and spending the night outside her home. The wife is sinful if she neglects this. As for a husband's absence from his wife for more than six months without her consent, this is a sin if there is no need for it and if he does not fulfill his duty of providing maintenance. However, the marriage contract remains valid. The wife has the right to bring the matter before a judge to request that the husband be compelled to return or to seek a divorce, especially in cases of non-maintenance. She remains his wife, with all the rights and obligations of wives.