What is the waiting period (iddah) for a woman divorced by her husband who claimed Islam but then it became clear otherwise, knowing that divorce proceedings in her country of residence might take six months, whereas annulment of the marriage contract in Morocco might take a year or more?
The man's situation is one of two: If he had truly embraced Islam before the marriage, then the marriage is valid. The woman's 'iddah (waiting period) begins from the moment his apostasy becomes apparent. If he re-embraces Islam during the 'iddah, he is permitted to take her back. However, if he had not embraced Islam at all and only claimed to be Muslim for the purpose of marriage, then the marriage is void from its foundation. She must perform istibra' al-rahm (a period of waiting to ensure the womb is clear), similar to the 'iddah, and she must immediately distance herself from him. Legal procedures do not affect the duration of the 'iddah, and she must repent for remaining with him without verifying his Islam.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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