Is *Ihdad* obligatory upon women other than wives?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Waiting Periods ('Iddah)
Primary text
There is no obligation of *Ihdad* upon women other than wives, such as an *umm walad* whose master dies, or a slave woman whose master has intercourse with her and then dies. It is also not required for a woman whose paternity is doubtful (*mutawta'at bi-shubah*) or a woman engaged in adultery (*muzaniyah*). This is based on the Prophetic saying that it is not permissible for a woman believing in Allah and the Last Day to mourn a deceased person for more than three days, except for a husband, for whom it is four months and ten days.
Supporting text
There is no known difference of opinion regarding the non-obligation of *Ihdad* upon a revocably divorced woman (*raj'iyyah*) because she is considered within the ruling of wives, permitted to adorn herself for her husband and await his return. *Ihdad* is also not required for a woman in a null/void marriage (*nikah fasid*) because she is not truly a wife, nor does she have a relationship where her loss would warrant such prolonged grief.