Is There an ‘Idda for Committing Adultery?

Answered by Mawlana Ilyas Patel

Question

If a woman commits zina during her ‘idda from an irrevocable divorce, does this restart her ‘idda, or is it completed after her third menstrual period as usual? Does sending private pictures during ‘idda count as zina?

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.

A woman who commits adultery during her waiting period (‘idda) will not need to restart it, nor is there a waiting period following the act of adultery.

“A waiting period (‘idda) is not necessary upon a woman who committed adultery. This is the position of Imam Abu Hanifa and Imam Muhammad (Allah be pleased with them both).”

[Al-Fatawa al-Hindiyya]

Sharing Private Pictures

Sharing pictures is not actual zina but a lesser form of it. The Prophet (Allah bless him and give him peace) said, “Allah has decreed for the children of Adam a share in adultery, he will get it, by all means, the adultery of eyes is looking; the adultery of the tongue is speaking; the soul desires and has a passion; the private parts confirms or falsifies it.” [Abu Dawud]

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

Related

• Does Marriage to a Former Date Serve as Tawba If No Zina …
• What is the Explanation of the Fornication of the Eyes, Ears, Hands, etc.? 
• Is Watching Pornographic Videos Considered Zina?

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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 is a traditionally-trained scholar who has studied in the UK, India, Pakistan, Syria, Jordan, and Turkey. He started his early education in the UK. He went on to complete the hifz of the Quran in India, then enrolled in an Islamic seminary in the UK, where he studied the secular and ‘Aalimiyya sciences. He then traveled to Karachi, Pakistan. He has been an Imam in Rep of Ireland for several years. He has taught hifz of the Quran, Tajwid, Fiqh, and many other Islamic sciences to children and adults onsite and online extensively in the UK and Ireland. He taught at a local Islamic seminary for 12 years in the UK, where he was a librarian and a teacher of Islamic sciences. He currently resides in the UK with his wife. His interest is a love of books and gardening.