Is the waiting period (iddah) obligatory for a wife whose husband abandoned her for five years and whose divorce proceedings have been finalized? And is it permissible for her to go to work during the waiting period to complete her university studies if it is impossible to obtain a leave of absence, provided she adheres to modest clothing and avoids speaking with men?

The questioner did not specify the type of her husband's absence. The ruling on prolonged and non-prolonged absence was previously clarified in fatwa number: 35941. If the Sharia court rules for divorce, the 'iddah (waiting period) is obligatory and begins from the date of the ruling, and the length of his absence does not affect it. As for going out to study during the 'iddah, the 기본 rule is to stay at home. However, if that is not possible due to the college not granting a leave, then there is no harm in going out for work, provided there is full commitment to modesty and Islamic etiquette. This is based on Ibn Qudamah's statement in Al-Mughni that it is permissible for a woman in 'iddah to go out during the day for her needs, citing Jabir's narration in this regard.