Can a wife observe a waiting period (iddah) of four months and ten days, considering herself not pregnant, while experiencing intermittent bleeding during the iddah period, knowing that she was at her family's home until her husband's death, and should she consult a doctor and undergo a pregnancy test?
The discussion in the fatwa is about the ruling concerning a woman who is in doubt during her waiting period ('iddah). Doubt arises from a sign [of pregnancy]. As for a woman observing the 'iddah after the death of her husband, who shows no signs of pregnancy: she observes a waiting period of four months and ten days. She has no need to verify the absence of pregnancy through medical examinations or otherwise.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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