Do either of the spouses inherit the other if one dies before consummation, and is the waiting period (iddah) obligatory for a wife whose husband dies before consummation?

If a marriage contract is validly concluded and one of the spouses dies before consummation, the marital relationship remains valid, and inheritance occurs between them. This is based on the generality of Allah's saying: (And for you is half of what your wives leave if they have no child. But if they have a child, for you is a fourth of what they leave, after any bequest they [may have] made or debt. And for them is a fourth of what you leave if you have no child. But if you have a child, for them is an eighth of what you leave, after any bequest you [may have] made or debt).

The wife is also obliged to observe the 'idda of death (four months and ten days), due to the generality of Allah's saying: (And those of you who die and leave wives behind - they [the wives] shall wait concerning themselves for four months and ten [days]), whether this was before or after consummation.

Ibn Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him) was asked about a woman whose husband died before consummation and had not specified a dowry for her. He said: (She receives the full dowry, like the dowry of women similar to her, and she must observe the 'idda and has the right to inheritance). Ma'qil ibn Sinan mentioned that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) ruled similarly in the case of Birwa' bint Washiq.