Husband and wife must stay in same house during iddah

 

Is it permissable for the
husband to move out of the home during the

iddah of his wife? For what period
of time is he required to maintain her

after he pronounces divorce? If
he abandons the home and does not maintain her, what does the Sharee'ah
say about such actions?

All Praise is due to Allah the Almighty.

It is mandatory that a divorced woman stay in her husband's
home during

the period of iddah (specifically after
the first and second divorce).

It is not permissible for her husband to force her out
of the home.

The verse from the Qur'an which asserts this is al-Talaaq
(65:1), (interpretation

of the meaning):

 

"... and do not force them out of their homes, nor
shall they (themselves)

leave, except in the case where they are guilty of
open illegal sexual

intercourse..."

The husband is also obliged to provide for her during
this period of

iddah, as she is still under his guardianship
('isma).

It is permissible for the woman to beautify herself for
her husband during

the iddah. In fact, one of the reasons for iddah
is to provide a period of

reflection and contemplation, so each party may consider
the consequences and review the decisions and circumstances, so as to provide
a chance for them to get back together.

If the husband abandons the house or forces the wife out,
then the reasons

for which Allah has ordained this period have been missed.
Thus, it is incumbent upon the husband to beware of this, as he would be
disobeying

a command from Allah.

There is nothing wrong with her going out of the house
for visits, etc.,

with his permission, just as before her divorce.

Regarding the length of the iddah, please refer
to question #31.

May Allah guide us to the right path.