When does the waiting period ('iddah) for a divorced woman begin: Is it calculated from the moment the husband pronounces the divorce, or from the date the court issues its ruling, and is it permissible for a divorced woman to work during the 'iddah period if she is a teacher?

The waiting period (iddah) begins from the moment the divorce is pronounced, not from the court's judgment. The divorced woman must remain in her home and not leave it, nor should she be sought for marriage by another man until her iddah concludes. Allah Almighty says: "O Prophet, when you [Muslims] divorce women, divorce them for [the commencement of] their waiting period and keep count of the waiting period, and fear Allah, your Lord. Do not expel them from their houses, nor should they leave, except that they commit a clear immorality." [At-Talaq:1].

If the divorced woman is pregnant, her waiting period ends when she gives birth, as Allah Almighty says: "And for those who are pregnant, their term is until they deliver their burdens." [At-Talaq:4]. If she is not pregnant and menstruates, her waiting period is three menstrual cycles, as Allah Almighty says: "Divorced women remain in waiting for three periods." [Al-Baqarah:228]. If she does not menstruate due to young age or old age, her waiting period is three months, as Allah Almighty says: "And those who no longer expect menstruation among your women - if you doubt, then their waiting period is three months, and [also for] those who have not menstruated." [At-Talaq:4].

A woman in a revocable divorce (mu'taddah raj'iyyah) should not leave her home for work or other reasons unless it is out of necessity.