The purpose of Iddat (Iddah) is to ensure that the woman is not pregnant before she remarries, and it also serves as a period of reflection.
When it comes to Khula, a form of divorce initiated by the wife, there are specific guidelines regarding the necessity and duration of Iddat.
Khula allows a wife to seek a divorce from her husband by returning her dowry or another agreed-upon compensation.
However, the question arises: Is `Iddat necessary after Khula, and if so, how long should it last?
Islamic scholars have provided clear guidance on this matter based on the Quran, Sunnah, and the practices of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and his companions.
Do You Need To Perform Iddat After Khula?
Yes, Iddat is Necessary After Khula, and It Lasts One Menstrual Cycle.
The correct scholarly view is that after Khula, a woman must observe an Iddat of one menstrual cycle.
This ruling is based on the Sunnah, as narrated by the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). In a hadith reported by Ibn Abbas, the Prophet instructed a woman who had ended her marriage through Khula to observe an Iddat of one menstrual cycle (Narrated by At-Tirmidhi and Abu Dawud).
This ruling serves the purpose of determining whether the woman is pregnant, ensuring that any confusion about paternity is avoided.
Unlike in a regular divorce, where the Iddat is three menstrual cycles to allow the husband time to reconsider, Khula represents a final separation, and therefore, a sshorter`ddat is sufficient.
Evidence
- Hadith of Ibn Abbas: The Prophet (peace be upon him) instructed a woman who sought Khula to observe an Iddat of one menstrual cycle.
- Consensus among companions: Leading companions like Uthman ibn Affan and Abdullah ibn Umar supported the view that `Iddat after Khula is one menstrual cycle.
- Scholarly consensus: Notable scholars like Ibn Al-Qayyim and Shaykh Al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah affirmed that one menstrual cycle is the correct duration for `Iddat after Khula.
Bottom Line
Scholars like Ibn Al-Qayyim have extensively discussed this issue, emphasizing that the purpose of the shorter Iddat is to confirm that the woman is not pregnant, which aligns with the principles of Shariah.
And Allah knows the best.
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