Is a non-Muslim woman (Dhimmiyya) required to observe the waiting period (Iddah) after the death of her husband, whether he was Muslim or non-Muslim?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Waiting Periods ('Iddah)
Primary text
The waiting period (*Iddah*) is obligatory upon a non-Muslim woman (*Dhimmiyya*) whose husband dies, regardless of whether the husband was Muslim or non-Muslim. This ruling is supported by the scholars of the major cities (*Ulama al-Amsar*), including Malik, al-Thawri, al-Shafi'i, Abu Ubayd, and the companions of al-Ra'y (Hanafi school jurists). The evidence for this is the general applicability of the verse: "And those of you who die and leave wives, they shall keep themselves waiting four months and ten days" (Quran 2:234). Furthermore, because she is observing the waiting period due to death, she resembles a Muslim woman in this respect.
Supporting text
Abu Hanifa held that if the husband was not of their religious community (i.e., a non-Muslim husband), the waiting period is not incumbent upon her, because they (non-Muslims) are not addressed by the specific secondary rulings (*furu' al-din*).