Is it obligatory for a woman whose husband has passed away and who has reached seventy years of age to observe her iddah (waiting period) in her home, or is it permissible for her to move to her son's house to observe the iddah there, especially since her sons are not from the deceased husband and live in another province, which would leave her alone in her home?

If a woman's husband dies, she is obligated to observe an 'iddah (waiting period) of four months and ten days. Part of observing this 'iddah is that she must not spend the night outside her home except in cases of necessity. Ibn Qudamah stated: "It is not permissible for her to spend the night outside her home, nor to go out at night, except out of necessity."

There is no difference in the obligation of 'iddah between an elderly woman and a young woman.

If a woman faces harm by remaining in her home during the 'iddah period, such as fearing for her safety, she is permitted to move to another location and observe her 'iddah there. Ibn Qudamah said: "If she fears demolition, drowning, an enemy, or the like, she is permitted to move, because it is a state of excuse."