1Introduction
As we have stated on numerous occasions, Allah has outlined the specific legal provisions (by-laws) regarding family law through His Scripture. Family law encompasses matters such as marriage, divorce, and the division of inheritance. It is the duty of religious scholars to thoroughly understand and implement these laws in order to uphold social justice. Disregarding these guidelines and acting according to personal whims will lead to unnecessary problems within society. Therefore, let us examine what the Quran prescribes regarding the laws and parameters of divorce.
2Why is the intervention of the Jamaat or the court?
Dear intellectuals! Through this book, we explain the procedure the Quran prescribes for obtaining a divorce. As long as a husband and wife live together, it remains a private family matter. However, if they wish to separate, it becomes a matter of public concern. That is why the Scripture indicates the necessity for the intervention of the Jamaat or the court.
Secondly, the issue of children born to the couple and their future also arises. One cannot simply abandon his wife and walk away after having lived together for some time. This book outlines the proper approach to take with couples seeking a divorce. We urge community leaders to act deligently with all these factors in mind.
3A Rift Between Husband and Wife
لِّلَّذِينَ يُؤْلُونَ مِن نِّسَآئِهِمْ تَرَبُّصُ أَرْبَعَةِ أَشْهُرٍۢ ۖ فَإِن فَآءُو فَإِنَّ ٱللَّهَ غَفُورٌۭ رَّحِيمٌۭ.
2:226. For those who swear an oath to abstain from relations with their wives, there is a waiting period of four months; if they reconcile (and resume relations) within that time, then indeed, Allah is the Forgiver, the Most Merciful.
1. If a man resolves to distance himself from his wife due to a rift in their relationship, he is granted a period of four months. Within this timeframe, he must return and reconcile with his wife.
2. Alternatively, if the wife also wishes to separate, she may apply to the Jamaat to seek a divorce. It is a great mercy of Allah to have provided legal guidelines for the safe and secure life of all people.
4The First Stage of Thalaq (Divorce)
وَإِنْ خِفْتُمْ شِقَاقَ بَيْنِهِمَا فَٱبْعَثُوا حَكَمًۭا مِّنْ أَهْلِهِۦ وَحَكَمًۭا مِّنْ أَهْلِهَآ إِن يُرِيدَآ إِصْلَٰحًۭا يُوَفِّقِ ٱللَّهُ بَيْنَهُمَآ ۗ إِنَّ ٱللَّهَ كَانَ عَلِيمًا خَبِيرًۭا.
4:35. If you (the community/Jama'at) fear a rift or separation between the two (husband and wife), appoint an arbitrator from the husband's family and an arbitrator from the wife's family; if both desire reconciliation, Allah will bring about harmony between them—indeed, Allah is All-Knowing, All-Aware.
1. If a complaint is lodged regarding a rift between the husband and wife—and the community leaders fear this division might lead to the dissolution of the marriage contract, then they are advised to appoint arbitrators from both families to understand the root causes of the problem and strive for a peaceful resolution.
2. If they both desire reconciliation, there is provision within Allah’s law for them to resume living together as before.
3. Therefore, the arbitrators must approach the dispute with the sincere intention of resolving the conflict between the husband and wife, for Allah’s laws and regulations are established based on wisdom and knowledge.
5The Second Stage of Thalaq
If the rift is not resolved through arbitrators, the Jama'at or the Islamic court shall accept their petition for divorce and grant a three-month waiting period before finalizing the separation. This is referred to as the period of *Thalaq* in abeyance or the "*Iddah*" period.
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلنَّبِىُّ إِذَا طَلَّقْتُمُ ٱلنِّسَآءَ فَطَلِّقُوهُنَّ لِعِدَّتِهِنَّ وَأَحْصُوا ٱلْعِدَّةَ ۖ
65:1. O Reformist! When you pronounce *Thalaq* (divorce) upon women, pronounce it in a manner that allows for the counting of their "*Iddah*" (waiting period)—specifically by tracking their menstrual cycles. Fear Allah, your Rabbu..
O, you who guide the community according to Divine guidance! When pronouncing *Thalaq* for a couple seeking divorce, inquire about the woman's menstrual cycle, allow for the prescribed waiting period based on that cycle, and then pronounce the *Thalaq*. Adhere strictly to this command of Allah.
لَا تُخْرِجُوهُنَّ مِنۢ بُيُوتِهِنَّ وَلَا يَخْرُجْنَ
65:1. During the "*Iddah*" period—the time when the divorce is in abeyance—the wife is permitted to stay in her husband's home. However, if the wife sought the divorce due to ill treatment by her husband, she is not required to remain in his home.
6The "*Iddah*" period (Period of *Thalaq* in abeyance)
وَٱلۡمُطَلَّقَٰتُ يَتَرَبَّصۡنَ بِأَنفُسِهِنَّ ثَلَٰثَةَ قُرُوٓءٖۚ وَلَا يَحِلُّ لَهُنَّ أَن يَكۡتُمۡنَ مَا خَلَقَ ٱللَّهُ فِيٓ أَرۡحَامِهِنَّ إِن كُنَّ يُؤۡمِنَّ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأٓخِرِۚ
2:228. Women who have been pronounced divorced must wait for the duration of three menstrual cycles; if they believe in Allah and the Last Day, they must not conceal what Allah has created within their wombs.
The Islamic Jamaat organization after having accepted the petition for *Thalaq* (divorce), shall calculate the period spanning three menstrual cycles, grants a waiting period (see 65:1), and issues the ‘Thalaq’ declaration. If a woman whose divorce is pending in this manner conceives during this waiting period, she must not conceal it. If she really believes in Allah’s guiance and the consequences of deeds, she must not hide the fact that she is pregnant.
7What is the "Iddah" (waiting) period for women who do not menstruate?
65:4. And as for those of your women who have lost hope of menstruation—if you are in doubt (regarding the calculation of their *Iddah*)—the *Iddah* period for them, as well as for those who do not menstruate, is three months; whereas for pregnant women, the term (of their *Iddah*) lasts until they deliver; and whoever fears Allah, He makes their affairs easy.
1. Some women may not menstruate due to advanced age or physical ailments. In such cases, the waiting period granted after the *Thalaq* declaration is three months. (See 2:228)
2. If the woman conceives during this interim period, the waiting period is extended until she delivers.
3. All these measures are intended to avoid the separation of the couple whenever possible.
4. Thus, in any community that observes Allah's limits, all affairs will be set right.
8What if the husband wishes to take his wife back?
وَبُعُولَتُهُنَّ أَحَقُّ بِرَدِّهِنَّ فِي ذَٰلِكَ إِنۡ أَرَادُوٓاْ إِصۡلَٰحٗاۚ
2:228 However, if the husbands seek reconciliation (by taking them back), they have the primary right to reclaim them (as wives).
If, during the *Iddah* (waiting) period while the divorce is pending, the husband seeks reconciliation and comes forward to resume life with his wife, he is granted the right to do so. Those who wish to uphold Allah's guidance and the welfare of future society will not act contrary to this.
9What if the wife wishes to retain her husband?
وَلَهُنَّ مِثۡلُ ٱلَّذِي عَلَيۡهِنَّ بِٱلۡمَعۡرُوفِۚ
2:228. Just as a man has rights over his wife, a woman also possesses full rights over her husband.
In accordance with these legal principles, if a woman wishes to retain her husband, she may submit a request to the *Jama'at* (community council) or the court. She, too, is granted the right to do so.
وَإِذَا طَلَّقۡتُمُ ٱلنِّسَآءَ فَبَلَغۡنَ أَجَلَهُنَّ فَأَمۡسِكُوهُنَّ بِمَعۡرُوفٍ أَوۡ سَرِّحُوهُنَّ بِمَعۡرُوفٖۚ وَلَا تُمۡسِكُوهُنَّ ضِرَارٗا لِّتَعۡتَدُواْۚ وَمَن يَفۡعَلۡ ذَٰلِكَ فَقَدۡ ظَلَمَ نَفۡسَهُۥۚ
2:231. "And when you divorce women and they reach the end of their term (*Iddah*), either retain them according to acceptable terms or release them according to acceptable terms; but do not retain them to cause harm or to transgress limits. Whoever does so has wronged himself. And do not take the verses of Allah in jest."
1. After the *Iddah* period (as announced by the Jamaat) concludes, the couple may choose to live together again, or they may separate if they wish.
2. However, she must not be harassed or ill treated in this matter, nor should limits be transgressed in dealing with her.
3. Whoever transgresses these limits wrongs himself; that is, he will face appropriate punishment for doing so.
4. Similarly, a wife may express her desire to live with her husband to the court, or—if she does not wish to live with him—she may obtain a divorce.
5. Therefore, do not treat these guidelines from Allah as a matter of mockery or jest.
10Two witnesses are essential
فَإِذَا بَلَغۡنَ أَجَلَهُنَّ فَأَمۡسِكُوهُنَّ بِمَعۡرُوفٍ أَوۡ فَارِقُوهُنَّ بِمَعۡرُوفٖ وَأَشۡهِدُواْ ذَوَيۡ عَدۡلٖ مِّنكُمۡ وَأَقِيمُواْ ٱلشَّهَٰدَةَ لِلَّهِۚ ذَٰلِكُمۡ يُوعَظُ بِهِۦ مَن كَانَ يُؤۡمِنُ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأٓخِرِۚ وَمَن يَتَّقِ ٱللَّهَ يَجۡعَل لَّهُۥ مَخۡرَجٗا ٢
65:2. So, when they approach the end of their term (Iddah), either retain them honorably or part with them honorably; and call to witness two just men from among you, and establish the testimony for the sake of Allah. This is the counsel given to those who believe in Allah and the Last Day.
1. As the prescribed waiting period nears its completion, consider whether there is a possibility for the couple to reconcile and live together again.
2. If they wish, the husband may withdraw the request for divorce and retain his wife, or he may legally separate from her.
3. Whether they decide to revoke the divorce request and reunite or choose to separate, appoint two mediators as witnesses.
4. Furthermore, ensure the testimony is recorded and signed in accordance with Allah's law.
5. Such counsel is given to those who believe in Allah’s guidance and the sustainable future.
11This means the first Thalaq.
وَإِذَا طَلَّقۡتُمُ ٱلنِّسَآءَ فَبَلَغۡنَ أَجَلَهُنَّ فَأَمۡسِكُوهُنَّ بِمَعۡرُوفٍ أَوۡ سَرِّحُوهُنَّ بِمَعۡرُوفٖۚ
2:231. After declaring Thalaq and completing the term - iddah - join them formally, or set them free formally,
Once this waiting period is over, they can live together if they wish. Or both of them can get a divorce and separate gracefully if they want. The Jama'at will issue the Divorce Certificate accordingly.
12Freedom to marry whomever one wants
Thus, after the couple obtains the "divorce" certificate, both of them get full rights to find another partner as per their choice. No one has the right to object it. Consider the text of the Quran.
وَإِذَا طَلَّقۡتُمُ ٱلنِّسَآءَ فَبَلَغۡنَ أَجَلَهُنَّ فَلَا تَعۡضُلُوهُنَّ أَن يَنكِحۡنَ أَزۡوَٰجَهُنَّ إِذَا تَرَٰضَوۡاْ بَيۡنَهُم بِٱلۡمَعۡرُوفِۗ ذَٰلِكَ يُوعَظُ بِهِۦ مَن كَانَ مِنكُمۡ يُؤۡمِنُ بِٱللَّهِ وَٱلۡيَوۡمِ ٱلۡأٓخِرِۗ ذَٰلِكُمۡ أَزۡكَىٰ لَكُمۡ وَأَطۡهَرُۚ وَٱللَّهُ يَعۡلَمُ وَأَنتُمۡ لَا تَعۡلَمُونَ٢٣٢
2:232. And if you divorce the women and they have fulfilled their Iddah period, do not prevent them from legally marrying the husbands of their choice, those of you who believe in Allah and the Last Day are admonished by this, this (doing it) is virtuous and pure for you, Allah knows (its benefits) and you do not know.
Dear itellectuals! Think about it. Consider what the Qur'an teaches about obtaining Thalaq. What we know from this is that neither husband nor wife can perform Thalaq arbitrarily. The reason As long as they live together it is a family affair. If both of them want to separate, it becomes a social issue. Hence the intervention of the Jama'atar or the judiciary is required.
Secondly the question arises about the children born to the couple and their future. Therefore, after living for some time, you cannot run away leaving her to suffer.
“Divorce” means that he has been divorced once in his lifetime. After getting the Thalaq certificate the man gets full right to marry any other woman. Similarly, the woman also gets full right to marry another man. Most of the divorced couples look for other partners. The woman will not go looking for her old husband or the man for his old wife.
But some divorced couples fail to get other partner. They suffer even after divorce. In such a situation, the ex-couple gets a chance to live together again. If both of them wish, they can approach the Jamaat or the Islamic Court and express their wishes to revoke the Divorce order.
Neither the Jamaat nor the court has the right to prohibit such persons from entering into marriage. Because in the above text of 2:232 it is said that do not prevent marriage from "the decree of your choice". So it is clear from this that the man whom the woman offers to marry may also be her ex-husband. The reason is that the couple has got divorce only once. They may be given another chance to live together. So consider what the Quran says.
13Petition for second divorce
ٱلطَّلَقُ مَرَّتَانِۖ فَإِمۡسَاكُۢ بِمَعۡرُوفٍ أَوۡ تَْرِيحُۢ بِإِسۡنٖۗ
2:229. (Such) Thalaq can be obtained only twice - legally the husband and wife can live together, or they can be allowed to separate honestly.
1. Divorce can be obtained only twice.
2. Formally husband and wife can live together.
3. Or parting gracefully.
4. The word used in this is “Athalaq”.
5. It means a divorce formally obtained by a Jamaat or a court.
6. Therefore, husband and wife are given two chances to separate or live together in their lifetime. (They can avail only two chances
7. Because this is no child's play. It is a legal issue related to social order.
8. It will never be allowed that husband and wife can dispute and knock on court door anytime.
9. Therefore, if the problem of Thalaq comes up for the second time after the first divorce, the Jamaat or the Islamic court should follow the same procedure as the first time and grant the divorce. So after living together twice, if you ask permission for Thalaq for the third time and apply to Jamaat
14Petition for the Third *Thalaq* (Divorce)
فَإِن طَلَّقَهَا فَلَا تَحِلُّ لَهُۥ مِنۢ بَعۡدُ حَتَّىٰ تَنكِحَ زَوۡجًا غَيۡرَهُۥۗ فَإِن طَلَّقَهَا فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيۡهِمَآ أَن يَتَرَاجَعَآ إِن ظَنَّآ أَن يُقِيمَا حُدُودَ ٱللَّهِۗ وَتِلۡكَ حُدُودُ ٱللَّهِ يُبَيِّنُهَا لِقَوۡمٖ يَعۡلَمُونَ ٢٣٠
2:230. If one divorces her wife [for the third time], she is not lawful to him thereafter until she marries another man; and if he [the second husband] divorces her, there is no blame upon them for returning to each other [remarrying] if they think that they can uphold the limits of Allah. These are the limits of Allah, which He makes clear to people who have knowledge.
If a couple who have already been divorced twice submit a request for a third *Thalaq* before the *Jamaat* (community council), it must be clearly explained to them before accepting the request that, in this instance, they will lose the opportunity to live together again.
Subsequently, if she wishes to marry, she can only marry another man. If that marriage does not work out and she obtains a valid divorce from the second husband, or if he passes away, she becomes eligible to enter into *Nikah* (marriage) with her first husband again.(which is not possible even one in million cases) If the Jamaat organization determines that there is a possibility for the two of them to live together properly in accordance with Allah's guidance, their *Nikah* (marriage contract) may be organized again. Bear in mind: these are the limits set by Allah. All of this is made clear to people of understanding who reflect and act accordingly.
15Other By-Laws of *Thalaq* (Divorce)
These are the legal rules regarding divorce proclaimed in the Quran. Apart from these, Allah has also outlined specific legal nuances (by-laws) regarding the matter in the Quran. You should be aware of these as well.
Sec. 15:1. The degree of precedence held by the husband:
وَلِلرِّجَالِ عَلَيۡهِنَّ دَرَجَةٞۗ
2:228. Men have a degree of precedence over them.
Explanation: Because women have pregnancy issue, she cannot take decision regarding remarriage immediately in their case. A man does not face this constraint. This constitutes the degree of precedence they hold.
Sec. 15:2. Fear Allah and render judgment in matters of *Thalaq*.
وَٱتَّقُواْ ٱللَّهَ رَبَّكُمۡۖ
65:1 Fear Allah and render judgment in matters of *Thalaq*.
Explanation: That is if the judgement is issued against the guidance, the society will have to face the consequences as per the framed law of Allah.
Sec. 15:3. Do not make a mockery of the laws of *Thalaq*.
وَلَا تَتَّخِذُوٓاْ ءَايَٰتِ ٱللَّهِ هُزُوٗاۚ
2:231. Do not make a mockery of the laws of *Thalaq* ordained by Allah.
Explanation: That is, the juries should be very serious in dealing with divorce case since it is a matter concerning lives of the divorce applicants and their children.
Sec. 15:4. Do not transgress the limits.
وَتِلۡكَ حُدُودُ ٱللَّهِۚ وَمَن يَتَعَدَّ حُدُودَ ٱللَّهِ فَقَدۡ ظَلَمَ نَفۡسَهُۥۚ
65:!. "And these are the limits set by Allah; and whoever transgresses the limits of Allah has certainly wronged himself."
Explanation: Do not act in violation of Allah's instructions regarding the matter of divorce rulings. Whoever transgresses these limits wrongs himself; that is, he will receive a fitting punishment.
Sec. 15:5. Do not send women out of the house.
وَلَا يَخۡرُجۡنَ إِلَّآ أَن يَأۡتِينَ بِفَٰحِشَةٖ مُّبَيِّنَةٖۚ
65:1 Divorce waiting period (*Iddah*): During this period, the wife must not be evicted from the home, nor is she required to leave.
Explanation: If the divorce petition is from husband’s side, the wife has the right to stay in her spouse house until she receives decree. This will facilitate her to convince her husband or she may rethink about the repercussions of the divorced life and rectify herself to reconcile with her husband
If the divorce petition is from wife’s side, she need not stay in her spouse home.
Sec. 15:6. Do not harass her during the *Iddah* period.
وَلَا تُمۡسِكُوهُنَّ ضِرَارٗا لِّتَعۡتَدُواْۚ وَمَن يَفۡعَلۡ ذَٰلِكَ فَقَدۡ ظَلَمَ نَفۡسَهُۥۚ
2:231 Do not harass her or transgress limits against her during the *Iddah* period. Whoever does so wrongs himself—meaning, he will face appropriate punishment.
Sec. 15:7. Do not ask for the return of items given to the women.
وَإِنۡ أَرَدتُّمُ ٱسۡتِبۡدَالَ زَوۡجٖ مَّكَانَ زَوۡجٖ وَءَاتَيۡتُمۡ إِحۡدَىٰهُنَّ قِنطَارٗا فَلَا تَأۡخُذُواْ مِنۡهُ شَيۡـًٔاۚ أَتَأۡخُذُونَهُۥ بُهۡتَٰنٗا وَإِثۡمٗا مُّبِينٗا٢٠
4:20 If you intend to divorce a wife in order to marry another, do not take back even the slightest amount of what you had given her—even if it was a vast treasure of gold. To falsely accuse her in order to reclaim such gifts is a grave sin. 8. If an act of gross indecency is committed
إِلَّآ أَن يَأۡتِينَ بِفَٰحِشَةٖ مُّبَيِّنَةٖۚ
65:1 If it is proven that she has committed an act of gross indecency, she may be sent out of the house during the *Iddah* (waiting) period.
Sec. 15:9. If there are complications regarding property issues
وَلَا يَحِلُّ لَكُمۡ أَن تَأۡخُذُواْ مِمَّآ ءَاتَيۡتُمُوهُنَّ شَيۡـًٔا إِلَّآ أَن يَخَافَآ أَلَّا يُقِيمَا حُدُودَ ٱللَّهِۖ فَإِنۡ خِفۡتُمۡ أَلَّا يُقِيمَا حُدُودَ ٱللَّهِ
2:229. It is not permissible for you to take back anything you have given her. However, if there is a fear that the limits set by Allah will not be upheld, arrangements may be made to return [part of] it to the husband.
فَإِنۡ خِفۡتُمۡ أَلَّا يُقِيمَا حُدُودَ ٱللَّهِ فَلَا جُنَاحَ عَلَيۡهِمَا فِيمَا ٱفۡتَدَتۡ بِهِۦۗ
2:229. Similarly, if property matters are the issue, she may also choose to forgo a portion of it.
Sec. 15:10. Maintenance Expenses
وَإِن كُنَّ أُوْلَٰتِ حَمۡلٖ فَأَنفِقُواْ عَلَيۡهِنَّ حَتَّىٰ يَضَعۡنَ حَمۡلَهُنَّۚ
65:6 If she is pregnant during the waiting period following divorce, it is the husband's duty to bear the expenses until she delivers the child.
فَإِنۡ أَرۡضَعۡنَ لَكُمۡ فَـَٔاتُوهُنَّ أُجُورَهُنَّ
65:6 If she breastfeeds the child, provide her with the necessary compensation according to your means.
Sec. 15:11. The Will of Allah.
ۚ لَا تَدۡرِي لَعَلَّ ٱللَّهَ يُحۡدِثُ بَعۡدَ ذَٰلِكَ أَمۡرٗا
65:1 The prescribed limits regarding divorce are intended to allow for an assessment of whether there is any possibility for the couple to reconcile and live together. You may not be aware of the intricacies involved, but Allah knows them well.
Sec. 15:12. Four witnesses required to prove an act of indecency:
وَٱلَّذِينَ يَرۡمُونَ ٱلۡمُحۡصَنَٰتِ ثُمَّ لَمۡ يَأۡتُواْ بِأَرۡبَعَةِ شُهَدَآءَ فَٱجۡلِدُوهُمۡ ثَمَٰنِينَ جَلۡدَةٗ وَلَا تَقۡبَلُواْ لَهُمۡ شَهَٰدَةً أَبَدٗاۚ وَأُوْلَٰٓئِكَ هُمُ ٱلۡفَٰسِقُونَ٤
24:4 If anyone accuses a chaste woman of illicit sexual relations, he must produce at least four witnesses to prove the charge. (He may produce circumstancial evidence) If he fails to prove the accusation in court using witnesses, the accuser shall be punished with eighty lashes. Furthermore, the court will no longer accept complaints or testimony from such individuals, as they are deemed sinners who deliberately sow discord in society.
Sec. 15:13. Women not yet touched by their husbands
يَٰٓأَيُّهَا ٱلَّذِينَ ءَامَنُوٓاْ إِذَا نَكَحۡتُمُ ٱلۡمُؤۡمِنَٰتِ ثُمَّ طَلَّقۡتُمُوهُنَّ مِن قَبۡلِ أَن تَمَسُّوهُنَّ فَمَا لَكُمۡ عَلَيۡهِنَّ مِنۡ عِدَّةٖ تَعۡتَدُّونَهَاۖ فَمَتِّعُوهُنَّ وَسَرِّحُوهُنَّ سَرَاحٗا جَمِيلٗا٤٩
33:49 O you who have wholeheartedly accepted Divine guidance! If you divorce women—whom you married in accordance with the counsel in 60:10—before having any physical intimacy with them, the law requiring a three-month waiting period (*Iddah*) does not apply to them. If you have the means, provide them with the necessary provisions for their livelihood, and release them from the marital bond in a graceful manner.
لَّا جُنَاحَ عَلَيۡكُمۡ إِن طَلَّقۡتُمُ ٱلنِّسَآءَ مَا لَمۡ تَمَسُّوهُنَّ أَوۡ تَفۡرِضُواْ لَهُنَّ فَرِيضَةٗۚ وَمَتِّعُوهُنَّ عَلَى ٱلۡمُوسِعِ قَدَرُهُۥ وَعَلَى ٱلۡمُقۡتِرِ قَدَرُهُۥ مَتَٰعَۢا بِٱلۡمَعۡرُوفِۖ حَقًّا عَلَى ٱلۡمُحۡسِنِينَ٢٣٦
2:236. There is no blame upon you if you divorce women before having touched them or before fixing a dowry (*Mahr*) for them. However, provide them with a provision—the wealthy according to your means and —a provision in a fair and reasonable manner; This is an obligation upon noble dignitaries.
Sec. 15:14. The waiting period (*Iddah*) following a husband's death:
2:234. Those among you who die and leave behind wives—[the wives] shall wait for a period of four months and ten days. When they have reached the end of this term, there is no blame upon you regarding what they do with themselves in a fair and reasonable manner; and Allah is fully aware of what you do.
If a man passes away, his wife must observe a waiting period of four months and ten days in seclusion; that is, she must not remarry during this time. After this *Iddah* period concludes, arrangements should be made for her to live according to the decision she makes. There is no blame upon you for acting in accordance with the decision she takes. Do not forget that Allah is fully aware of all your actions.
Postscript: We wish to reiterate that receiving a first *Thalaq* (divorce) verdict does not mandate a reconciliation with the ex-husband. After the very first *Thalaq*, she is free to marry anyone else she likes, and the husband is also free to marry any woman. However, we state that for those who do not have the opportunity to marry someone else, there is permission for the couple to remarry each other a second time.