What are the duties of a divorced woman towards her husband during the waiting period, if they live together (cooking, cleaning, sleeping arrangements), and if he has another wife (division of sleeping arrangements and other duties)?
A divorced woman, whether her divorce is irrevocable or revocable, must remain in the marital home until her 'iddah (waiting period) expires.
If the 'iddah is for an irrevocable divorce, the woman in 'iddah is considered a stranger to the man from whom she is observing the 'iddah. She is not entitled to maintenance unless she is pregnant. His divorce or zhihar (a pre-Islamic form of divorce by injurious comparison to a mother) does not affect her, and it is not permissible for him to enjoy her.
As for the 'iddah of a revocable divorce, jurists have differed regarding the husband's interaction with his wife: - The Hanafis and Hanbalis are of the opinion that a woman in the 'iddah of a revocable divorce is like a wife. She adorns herself for her husband, and it is permissible for him to engage in sexual intercourse with her and to be alone with her. This sexual intercourse establishes the raj'ah (return to the marriage), whether the husband intended it or not. - As for the Malikis, they hold that a woman observing the 'iddah of a revocable divorce is like a wife, except for the prohibition of enjoyment, entering upon her, and eating with her. - Some Shafi'is are of the opinion that it is desirable for her to adorn herself in a way that encourages the husband to take her back if she hopes for his return, but it is not permissible for him to engage in sexual intercourse or other intimate acts with her until he takes her back verbally.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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