Is it permissible for a mother to observe her iddah in the home of one of her children after the death of her husband if she is able to take care of herself but loneliness is feared for her?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
A woman observing the ' (waiting period) after her husband's death must do so in the marital home where she received the news of his passing. This is based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying to Furay'ah bint Malik (may Allah be pleased with her): "Stay in your house where the news of your husband's death reached you until the prescribed period is completed."
However, it is permissible for a woman observing 'iddah to move from the marital home if there is a valid excuse, such as fear of the house collapsing, drowning, an enemy, or if she fears loneliness due to the absence of anyone to keep her company.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/7525
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 7525
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy