Does the waiting period of a divorced pregnant woman who miscarried her fetus upon its descent expire then, or upon the completion of three menses?
A woman's 'iddah (waiting period) ends upon delivery if the fetus shows any human features, or if it is a formed 'mudghah' (a chewed-like substance), even if subtly, as certified by experts. It also ends if it is an unformed 'mudghah' but experts testify that it is the beginning of a human creation that would have developed if it had remained. This is the view of the majority of jurists. However, if she aborts a 'nutfa' (sperm-drop), an 'alaqa' (clot of blood), or just blood, the 'iddah does not end with that. Instead, she must complete the 'aqra' (three menstrual periods). The blood from a miscarriage is not considered menstrual blood unless it coincides with her usual period or has the characteristics of menstrual blood.
The Malikis, however, hold that the 'iddah ends upon the expulsion of the fetus, even if it is congealed blood that does not dissolve when hot water is poured on it.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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