Is it permissible for a divorced woman during her iddah (waiting period) to leave her home to attend religious lessons, shop, go for recreation, and teach children the Arabic language, provided she takes precautions to protect herself, especially if she lives in a foreign country and has no one to assist her?

A woman divorced with a revocable divorce (talaq raj'i) must observe her 'iddah (waiting period) in her husband's home. It is not permissible to expel her, nor is it lawful for her to leave except out of necessity. As for a woman divorced with an irrevocable divorce (talaq ba'in), she may observe her 'iddah in her family's home or in her husband's home if there is no seclusion (khalwa) with him.

Scholars have differed on the obligation for a woman observing 'iddah to stay in her home. The majority of scholars hold that she is like a woman observing 'iddah due to the death of her husband, meaning she may go out during the day for a need, and at night only out of necessity. Other scholars are of the opinion that this is not obligatory for her.

The majority relies on the Almighty's saying: "Do not expel them from their homes, nor should they leave, unless they commit a clear immorality." (Quran 65:1). As for Jabir's hadith regarding his aunt leaving, it indicates the permissibility of leaving during the day for a need, such as giving charity or performing a good deed, but it is not permissible for other than a need.

In summary: It is permissible to leave during the day for a need, such as work, purchasing necessities, and attending lessons, but it is not permissible for leisure.