What are the rulings regarding the waiting period ('iddah) of a divorced woman whose menstruation ceased and then returned? Does the duration of the 'iddah change if it is medically confirmed that she is not pregnant? Is it permissible for a divorced woman to delay her 'iddah by taking medication to prevent menstruation, hoping for her husband to take her back?

The waiting period (iddah) for a divorced woman varies according to her situation: For a divorced woman with whom intercourse has occurred and who menstruates, her waiting period is three menstrual cycles. The waiting period for a pregnant divorced woman is until she gives birth. For a young girl (who has not yet menstruated) and a woman past menopause, their waiting period is three months. As for a woman with whom intercourse has not occurred, she has no waiting period. If a divorced woman in her waiting period experiences a cessation of menstruation, and she knows the reason for its cessation and that it will not return, such as a hysterectomy, then her waiting period is three months, like a woman past menopause. If she knows the reason for its cessation and that it will return, such as breastfeeding, then she waits for menstruation to return to observe her waiting period by it. However, if her menstruation ceases and she does not know the reason, then her waiting period is a full year (nine months for a potential pregnancy and three months for the actual waiting period), or three months if doctors determine that the womb is clear of pregnancy. It is permissible for a woman in her waiting period to take medication to stop or expedite menstruation if it does not harm the husband or if it is with his consent.