Waiting Period for Separation

**Separation Iddah:** This is the waiting period obligatory upon a woman who has been separated from her husband by annulment, divorce, or khul' after consummation. There are three scenarios: --- **1. If She is Pregnant:** Her waiting period ends with the delivery of the child. **Evidence:** Allah says: "And for those who are pregnant, their term is until they give birth" [At-Talaq: 4] --- **2. If Not Pregnant and Menstruates:** Her waiting period ends after the passage of **three complete menstrual cycles** (quru') after separation. **Evidence:** Allah says: "And divorced women remain in waiting for three periods, and it is not lawful for them to conceal what Allah has created in their wombs if they believe in Allah and the Last Day" [Al-Baqarah: 228] --- **3. If She Does Not Menstruate (Young or Post-Menopausal):** Her waiting period ends after the passage of **three months**. **Evidence:** Allah says: "And those who no longer expect menstruation among your women - if you doubt, then their period is three months, and [also for] those who have not menstruated" [At-Talaq: 4] --- **Ruling on Divorce Before Consummation:** If the husband separates from his wife by annulment or divorce **before consummation**, there is no waiting period for her. **Evidence:** Allah says: "O you who believe, when you marry believing women and then divorce them before you have touched them, then there is not for you any waiting period to count concerning them. So provide for them and give them a gracious release" [Al-Ahzab: 49] There is no difference between Muslim and Kitabi (Jewish/Christian) wives in this ruling - the mention of "believing women" is merely predominant usage.