How many fetuses determine the end of the waiting period (Iddah) for a woman after separation?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Waiting Periods ('Iddah)
Primary text
If the pregnancy consists of a single fetus, the waiting period concludes upon its complete delivery. If the fetus is multiple (two or more), the waiting period is not concluded until the delivery of the last one, as the entire fetus constitutes the single pregnancy unit. This is the position held by a group of scholars. The waiting period is established to confirm barrenness from the fetus, and until the entire fetus exits, the surety of being free from the pregnancy's requirement is not established. The evidence for the requirement being tied to the entirety of the fetus is based on the fact that if the period ended prematurely, it would permit marriage while pregnancy might still exist, which contradicts the purpose.
Supporting text
Abu Qilabah and 'Ikrimah held that the waiting period concludes upon the delivery of the first fetus, but she is not permitted to remarry until the second is delivered. This view is considered anomalous and contrary to the apparent meaning of the Law and the consensus of the scholars.