What is the prescribed waiting period for a woman who has reached the usual age for menstruation but has not yet begun menstruating?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Waiting Periods ('Iddah)
Primary text
If a woman reaches the age when women usually begin menstruating, such as fifteen years, but has not menstruated, her waiting period (*iddah*) is three months. This is the apparent view of Al-Kharqi, and the position of Abu Bakr, and is the madhhab of Abu Hanifa, Malik, and Al-Shafi'i. The evidence supporting this is the statement of God, "And for those of your women who despair of menstruation, if you have doubts, their waiting period is three months, as well as for those who have not menstruated" (Quran 65:4), and this woman falls under those who have not menstruated. Furthermore, consideration is given to the state of the woman observing the *iddah*, not the state of others. If she had menstruated before reaching the usual age, she would observe the *iddah* according to menstruation.
Supporting text
Abu Bakr weakened the differing narration that suggests she observes a waiting period of one year, which Abu Talib narrated from Ahmad. Al-Qadi stated that the narration of one year is stronger because when the time for menstruation passes without it occurring, uncertainty arises, possibly due to pregnancy preventing menstruation, thus necessitating a one-year waiting period, similar to one whose menstruation has ceased after having begun.