Iddah

12 Grade 9 Religious Education (IRE) questions on Iddah, with worked marking schemes. 12 questions are available on this topic in full.

1. Question 1

   1 mark

   After her husband passes away, Fatuma is advised by elders about her waiting period (iddah). For a widow who is not pregnant, how long is the iddah prescribed in the Qur'an (2:234)?

   A. Three menstrual cycles

   B. Three months

   C. Four months and ten days

   D. Until she gives birth

   (1 mark)

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2. Question 2

   1 mark

   Iddah in Islam refers to:

   A. The waiting period a woman observes after divorce or the death of her husband

   B. The maintenance given to children

   C. The dowry paid to the bride

   D. The marriage contract ceremony

   (1 mark)

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3. Question 3

   1 mark

   The Iddah of a woman whose husband has died (and who is not pregnant) is:

   A. Four months and ten days

   B. Three menstrual cycles

   C. Forty days

   D. One month

   (1 mark)

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4. Question 4

   4 marks

   State four rules a woman is expected to observe during her Iddah.

   (4 marks)

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5. Question 5

   3 marks

   A woman in Garissa is widowed while three months pregnant.

   (a) State the Iddah she must observe.

   (b) Give a reason for your answer.

   (3 marks)

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6. Question 6

   1 mark

   The Iddah of a pregnant woman, whether divorced or widowed, ends when:

   A. Three months pass

   B. Four months and ten days pass

   C. She delivers her baby

   D. She reaches menopause

   (1 mark)

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7. Question 7

   1 mark

   A woman's husband passes away. Relatives dispute how long she should observe the waiting period. According to Surah Al-Baqarah (2:234), what is the Iddah for a widow whose husband has died (and who is not pregnant)?

   A. Three months only

   B. Four months and ten days

   C. One year

   D. There is no waiting period

   (1 mark)

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8. Question 8

   1 mark

   One of the main purposes of the Iddah period is to:

   A. End the woman's religious duties

   B. Punish the woman

   C. Increase the dowry

   D. Ascertain whether the woman is pregnant

   (1 mark)

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9. Question 9

   6 marks

   A woman in a Kenyan Muslim community loses her husband, and some relatives advise her to remarry immediately while others say she must wait. The local sheikh is consulted to explain the Islamic ruling on iddah.

   (a) Define the term "iddah." (2 marks)

   (b) (i) State the iddah period for a widow whose husband has died, as stated in the Qur'an (Q.2:234). (2 marks)

   (ii) Give TWO reasons why iddah is prescribed in Islam. (2 marks)

   (6 marks)

   Marking scheme

   (a) Iddah is the prescribed waiting period that a woman must observe after the termination of her marriage — whether by the death of her husband or by divorce — before she may remarry. (2 marks) (b)(i) According to Q.2:234, a widow whose husband has died observes an iddah of four months and ten days (provided she is not pregnant; if pregnant, until she delivers, as in Q.65:4). (2 marks) (ii) Reasons (any two): (i) to ascertain whether the woman is pregnant, so that lineage (nasab) of any child is protected and not confused; (ii) to give time for mourning and to honour the deceased husband; (iii) to allow a period for possible reconciliation in the case of revocable divorce; (iv) it is an act of obedience to Allah's command. (2 marks)

10. Question 10

    6 marks

    Explain the significance (importance) of Iddah in Islam.

    (6 marks)

    Marking scheme

    Any six (1 mk each): to determine whether the woman is pregnant so as to establish paternity/lineage; to give room for possible reconciliation in case of divorce; to show respect and mourning for the deceased husband; to protect the woman's dignity and rights; to avoid confusion over inheritance; to allow the woman emotional/psychological recovery; obedience to Allah's command; to prevent hasty remarriage. Award 1 mk each up to 6.

11. Question 11

    4 marks

    Aisha's husband passes away. Her relatives are unsure how long she must observe the waiting period and what is expected of her during it.

    (a) State the iddah (waiting period) of a widow who is not pregnant. (2 marks)

    (b) Give ONE reason why Islam prescribes the iddah. (2 marks)

    (4 marks)

    Marking scheme

    (a) Four months and ten days, as stated in Q2:234 - 'Those of you who die and leave wives behind, they (the wives) shall wait for four months and ten days.' (If she is pregnant, the iddah ends at delivery - Q65:4.) (2 marks.) (b) Any ONE: To ascertain whether she is pregnant so that lineage (nasab) is not confused; to give her time to mourn her husband; (in the case of divorce) to allow possible reconciliation; to fulfil Allah's command and protect the dignity of the woman and the family. (2 marks.)

12. Question 12

    1 mark

    For a divorced woman who still menstruates, the prescribed Iddah is:

    A. Four months and ten days

    B. One menstrual cycle

    C. Forty days

    D. Three menstrual cycles

    (1 mark)

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