Iddat Duration: Understanding the Minimum Waiting Period for Remarriage
The concept of Iddat in Islamic law, specifically the minimum duration for a woman after the dissolution of her marriage before she can remarry. Here's a breakdown:
Iddat
It refers to a waiting period mandated by Islamic law for a woman after the death of her husband or the dissolution of her marriage through divorce. During this period, the woman cannot remarry.
Duration of Iddat
The passage clarifies that the Quran doesn't specify the duration of Iddat as 90 days. Instead, it defines it as three menstrual cycles with two intervening periods of purity (Tuhr).
Minimum duration based on Hanafi Fiqh
The Hanafi school of Islamic law, which the judgment references, specifies minimum durations for menstruation (3 days) and purity (15 days).
Calculation of minimum Iddat
Based on these minimums, the shortest possible Iddat would be:
3 menstrual cycles: 3 cycles * 3 days/cycle = 9 days
2 intervening purity periods: 2 periods * 15 days/period = 30 days
Total minimum Iddat: 9 days + 30 days = 39 days
2 intervening purity periods: 2 periods * 15 days/period = 30 days
Total minimum Iddat: 9 days + 30 days = 39 days
Therefore, the judgment establishes that 39 days is the minimum permissible duration for Iddat according to the Hanafi school of thought, provided the woman experiences three menstrual cycles with two intervening purity periods within that timeframe.
It's important to note that this explanation is based on the information provided in the passage and the specific legal school referenced. Different Islamic schools might have varying interpretations and calculations regarding Iddat.
If you're interested in a broader understanding of Iddat or its application in different contexts, it's advisable to consult with a qualified Islamic scholar.