Can a widow leave her house to visit her sister provided that there are no strange men in her sister’s house?

Answer

Praise Be to Allah and Peace Be Upon His Messenger.

A woman whose husband dies, and she has to undergo the prescribed waiting period, must stay in the house where she got used to living with him. She must not leave her house. It has been published on the web page of the Palestinian Verdict Council that the woman undergoing the waiting period must not leave her house unless there is a necessity provided that she must not go out at night.

A Muslim woman, called Furaiha the daughter of Malik, came to ask the prophet if it was allowed for her to spend the days of the waiting period in her family’s house. He said: “Stay in your house for four months and ten days until the waiting period is fulfilled.” However, if the widow is pregnant, the prescribed waiting period is fulfilled once she gives birth.

Therefore, the widow must spend the four months and ten days (i.e. the prescribed waiting period) in her house unless there is a necessity which could make her leave the house. For example, if her elderly mother needs any help, she can go to help her provided that she returns to her house before sunset.