Iddat for Adultery

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salamu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullahi wa-barakatuh.

Hereunder is the Arabic text in reference:

There is no Iddat (waiting period) upon a woman who has committed adultery. This is the opinion of Imaam Abu Hanifa and Imaam Muhammad Rahimahumullah as mentioned in Sharhut Tahaawi. ( Al-Fataawa Al-aalamkiriyyah famously known as Al-Fataawa Al-Hindiyya, Vol. 1, Pg. 526, Maktaba Rashidiyyah)

The above text is correct and true. However, Idaat refers to:

The husband’s death, or divorce, or the termination of the marriage contract through Khul’a (divorce at the instance of the wife), or the annulment of the marriage by some other manner, where the woman has to observe the laws of Iddat. Until this period expires, it is not permissible for her to go elsewhere. Observing specific rules during this period is called Iddat.

If the Iddat, or waiting period, is observed following the death of the husband, it is called ‘The Iddat of Death’. If observed following Talaaq (Divorce), Khul’a (divorce at the instance of the wife) or for some other reason, it is called ‘The Iddat of divorce’.

Iddat only applies in the above instances.

And Allah Ta’ala Knows Best