Is it permissible for a woman observing 'iddah (waiting period) to go up to the second and third floors of her deceased husband's house if each floor has a separate entrance? And is that considered leaving her home? And can she use perfumed soap and shampoo?
A woman observing iddah (waiting period) after her husband's death must do so in his home. She is permitted to go out during the day to attend to her needs, visit her children, and her mahram (unmarriageable kin), but she is not allowed to spend the night outside her home or go out at night except in cases of necessity. She must observe ihdad (mourning) by abstaining from adornment. It is forbidden for her to use anything containing perfume, such as scented soap and shampoo, although she may use unscented cleaning products. Similarly, kohl, perfumes, dyed clothes worn for adornment, and scented oils are forbidden for her.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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