What is the required waiting period ('Iddah) for a woman in a complex situation involving two husbands and potential invalid marriages?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Waiting Periods ('Iddah)
Primary text
For the husband from whom she inherits, she observes the waiting period for death ('Iddat al-Wafah). If the second husband dies in a situation where she would not inherit from him otherwise, the explicit narration from Ahmad is that she must observe the waiting period for death pertaining to the invalid marriage. This is the preference of Abu Bakr.
Supporting text
Ibn Hamid stated that she owes no waiting period for his death, but she must observe three menstrual cycles for the intercourse that occurred with him. If both husbands die simultaneously, she observes a waiting period for each. She begins with the waiting period for the first husband; upon its completion, she begins the waiting period for the second. If the first dies first, the waiting period for the second is interrupted, and the waiting period for the first commences. Upon completion of the first, she resumes and completes the waiting period for the second. If the second dies first, she begins his waiting period, and upon his death, the second period is cut off, and she begins the waiting period for the first.