Most-asked question

Can a woman leave the house during iddah?

12 fatawa in the archive answer questions on this, from 3 South African Darul Iftas (Mufti Online, AskImam, Azaadville). Below, each Darul Ifta’s answer is quoted word for word from the opening of one of its fatawa.

Based on the fatawa linked below. Please read the sources and double-check with a Darul Ifta for your situation.

Consult a mufti for your situation. Fatawa SA is a read-only archive and issues no rulings of its own.

What the Darul Iftas say

“In principle, it is not permissible for a woman in Iddah to leave her marital home. However, she will be allowed to leave her home due to a dire situation. We understand a mother’s desire to see her daughter in a severe medical condition. However, Shari’ah does not consider it a dire situation.”

AskImam — She is in Iddah and wants to travel to her daughters home in Australia · 12 Oct 2021

“It is impermissible for a woman sitting in iddat to leave her home. Hence if the needs are being fulfilled by the family members then leaving the home for her will be impermissible.”

Mufti Online — Going out to work during iddat · 24 Feb 2015

Quotes are the opening words of each answer as published; the full answer, its conditions and references are on the fatwa page. Answers depend on the exact details of each question.

Read the fatawa

  1. Can a woman in 'iddah whose husband has passed away leave her house to earn money if she has no financial support? AskImam · 19 Oct 2023
  2. Rulings Of Iddah And Women Visiting Graveyards Azaadville · 6 Sep 2021
  3. Going out to work during iddat Mufti Online · 18 Sep 2019
  4. She is in Iddah and wants to travel to her daughters home in Australia AskImam · 12 Oct 2021
  5. Going out to work during iddat Mufti Online · 2 Jun 2015
  6. Is there Leeway for a wife sitting in iddat to leave her home? AskImam · 3 Mar 2020
  7. Going out to work during iddat Mufti Online · 24 Feb 2015
  8. During my idda can I go for a work in office? AskImam · 23 Apr 2004
  9. Woman in iddat working at night Mufti Online · 3 Jan 2018
  10. Going out to work during iddat Mufti Online · 9 Feb 2017
  11. Going out to work during iddat Mufti Online · 14 Feb 2015
  12. Widow in iddat going outside in the backyard Mufti Online · 24 May 2016

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