Where must a wife observe her waiting period if her husband permits her relocation to another city or country but dies before she moves?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Waiting Periods ('Iddah)
Primary text
If the husband permitted relocation but dies before the move, the wife must observe her *iddah* in her current dwelling, as it remains her home. This applies whether her belongings have been moved or not, as long as she has not physically departed the original residence. If the husband dies after she has moved to the second location, she observes the *iddah* there, as it has become her residence, irrespective of whether her belongings were moved.
Supporting text
If the husband dies while she is in transit between the two locations, she has the choice between the two residences because she has relinquished the first by intending to leave, and has not yet inhabited the second. A dissenting opinion suggests she must observe it in the second location, as that was the place the husband authorized her to reside in. However, this latter view is considered less applicable if the relocation was between two distant cities, as compelling her to travel after his death to fulfill the move would impose undue hardship, risk, and negate the underlying purpose of companionship.