What is the ruling regarding the location of *iddah* if a wife moves to a second residence, returns to the first to collect belongings, and the husband dies while she is in the first location?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Waiting Periods ('Iddah)

Book 44 · Issue 3 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

She must return to the second location to observe her *iddah*, as that place became established as her residence upon her initial move there. Her return to the first location was for the temporary need of collecting possessions; the determining factor is her established residence, not her momentary location.

Supporting text

If the husband dies while she is in the second location, and she claims he permitted her to reside there while the heirs deny it, her word is accepted because she has superior knowledge of that authorization. Similarly, if she claims permission was only to visit, and the heirs deny it, her statement is accepted.