When does the mandatory waiting period for *istibra'* commence relative to the acquisition of the enslaved woman?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Waiting Periods ('Iddah)
Primary text
The *istibra'* period begins only after the buyer gains full ownership of the entire woman. If ownership is contingent upon an option period in a sale, the start date depends on the juristic opinion regarding the transfer of ownership; if ownership transfers immediately, *istibra'* starts from the sale date. If ownership is contingent upon property defect, the *istibra'* starts from the sale date because the defect does not prevent the transfer of ownership. There is a difference of opinion on whether it starts from the sale date or from the physical possession (*qabd*).
Supporting text
One view holds that *istibra'* begins from the sale date because ownership is transferred thereby. Another view holds that it begins from the physical possession because the purpose—ascertaining purity from the seller's fluid—is only achieved when the woman is physically held by the buyer.