Her husband died during her ‘iddah from her final divorce; does she have to observe the #145;iddah of one who has been widowed?

 

Her husband died in a car accident during her ‘iddah following her final divorce (he had divorced her with the third talaaq, and during this ‘iddah he died in that accident). How long should she observe the ‘iddah?

Praise be to Allaah.

We put this question to Shaykh Muhammad ibn Saalih
al-‘Uthaymeen, may Allaah preserve him, who answered as follows:

She should complete the ‘iddah of divorce.

Question:

Does she also have to observe the ‘iddah of one who has been
widowed?

Answer:

No, she does not have to do that, because the marital relationship
ended with the final talaaq.

And Allaah knows best.