Is it permissible for a mother to go out to parks or the beach for recreation during her 'iddah after the death of her husband?
The majority of scholars are of the opinion that a woman observing the iddah (waiting period) after her husband's death is permitted to leave her home during the day for a necessity. At night, too, the majority permits her to leave for a necessity, but she must not spend the night anywhere other than her own home. Leisurely outings and recreation are not considered necessities that would permit her departure. Ibn Uthaymeen mentioned that a woman in iddah leaving her home falls into three categories: it is not permissible without a necessity or need (such as for recreation); it is permissible for a necessity both day and night (such as leaving due to danger); and it is permissible for a need during the day but not at night (such as for shopping, teaching, studying, visiting neighbors, or visiting a sick father). The difference between night and day is that she is generally safer during the day.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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