iddetten

Iddetten is a term derived from the Quran and Islamic jurisprudence, referring to a prescribed period of waiting or chastity that a woman must observe after the dissolution of a marriage. This waiting period is primarily intended to ascertain whether the woman is pregnant. If she is pregnant, the iddetten extends until the completion of her pregnancy. If she is not pregnant, the iddetten typically lasts for three menstrual cycles.

The purpose of the iddetten is threefold. Firstly, it allows for the clear determination of paternity, which is crucial for establishing lineage and inheritance rights. Secondly, it provides a cooling-off period for both parties after a divorce, potentially allowing for reconciliation. Thirdly, it ensures that the woman is not pregnant by her previous husband before she remarries, thus avoiding confusion regarding the child's father.

The duration of the iddetten can vary slightly depending on specific circumstances, such as the woman's age and menopausal status. For widows, the iddetten is generally longer, typically four months and ten days, irrespective of pregnancy. There are also exceptions to the iddetten rule, such as in cases of annulled marriages or if the marriage was not consummated. The observance of iddetten is considered a religious obligation for Muslim women.