How Can I Perform ‘Idda After Divorce from My Secret Marriage?


Hanafi Fiqh

Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel

Question

How can I perform ‘idda after divorce from my secret marriage? No one knew about us, and I am currently a full-time university student. Is my ‘idda going to be valid if I leave home?

Answer

In the Name of Allah, the Most Merciful and Compassionate.

I pray you are in good faith and health. Thank you for your question.

Islamically, a waiting period (‘idda) after a divorce must be observed at home. It’s important to spend time in your house during the three menstrual cycles. If you go out during this time, as you mentioned, you are currently a full-time university student, then you will seek forgiveness from Allah for this.

Your waiting period (‘idda) begins soon after you are divorced, and you will spend three menstrual periods.

“…and the period of ‘idda after the occurrence of divorce and after the death of the husband is immediate, and the period of ‘idda will initiate even if she the wife is not aware of it.” [Ibn ’Abidin, Radd al-Muhtar]

I would like you to go through the valuable answers and links below. In sha’ Allah, you will receive guidance and direction.

Related

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I pray this helps with your question.
Wassalam,
[Mawlana] Ilyas Patel
Checked and Approved by Shaykh Abdul-Rahim Reasat

Mawlana Ilyas Patel has received traditional education in various countries. He started his schooling in the UK and completed his hifz of the Quran in India. After that, he joined an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied secular and Aalimiyya sciences. Later, he traveled to Karachi, Pakistan, and other Middle Eastern countries to further his education. Mawlana has served as an Imam in the Republic of Ireland for several years and taught the Quran and other Islamic sciences to both children and adults. He also worked as a teacher and librarian at a local Islamic seminary in the UK for 12 years. Presently, he lives in the UK with his wife and is interested in books and gardening.