Iddah period after divorce

Question:-

I have been divorced from my husband. What is the Iddah period? I require a ruling in writing to present to my employers so that I may be excused from work, in order to serve my Iddah.

Answer:-

When a woman is divorced in Islam, she is required to serve her Iddah; that is, she will be required to remain in her matrimonial home for a period of three menstrual cycles, which is estimated to be a period of approximately 3 months. Allah Ta’ala states in the Quraan Sharif, “Divorced woman should wait for three menstrual courses (after divorce called Iddah.)”[Baqarah, Verse 228.]  

We understand that the above ruling is for work purposes. We therefore request your employers to free from your work obligation for a period of 3 months (immediately) so that you are able to fulfill this important injunction of Shariah and Islam, since your Iddah period has already commenced. We are quite sure that they understand the importance of adhering to religion and will therefore not have any reservation in granting you a three-month grace period to complete your religious obligation. It is only on the completion of your third menstrual cycle (since the divorce) that your Iddah will be completed.    

ALLAH TA’ALA KNOWS BEST!

ANSWERED BY:

Mufti Mohammed Desai

Date: 28 Rabi-ul-Aakhir 1434 / 03 December 2021