Khula and Iddah: Key Insights on Divorce Procedures and Waiting Periods
Question: My daughter has received a khula (divorce initiated by the wife) but we have not yet received the court paper. The lawyer says there is a process, and it will be received later. When should the waiting period (iddah) start, and if my daughter did not have marital relations with her husband, is there still an iddah even though she is working?
Answer: Since your daughter is obtaining khula through the court, it is not considered finalized just by hearing it from a lawyer or any person. The khula will only be recognized once the official notice is received from the court. The waiting period (iddah) will begin from the date mentioned in the court notice. As for the question of whether an iddah is required if marital relations did not occur, if the wife had moved in with the husband and was living with him, she must observe the iddah. The waiting period for khula is one menstrual cycle.
Respondent: Sheikh Maqbool Ahmed Salafi Hafizahullah
Jeddah Dawah Center, Saudi Arabia
Interpreter: Hasan Fuzail