Marriage & Family

Are misyar, secret nikah, and zawaj urfi permissible in Islam?

Misyar marriage (where the wife waives her rights to financial support and/or regular overnight visits) is technically halal according to the majority of scholars — including Qaradawi and most global fatwa councils — as long as the pillars of nikah are met (wali, mahr, two witnesses, offer and acceptance). However, it is not encouraged and typically ends in divorce, with the woman suffering more. Secret nikah (done with wali and two witnesses but not publicized) is valid but makruh according to three of the four madhabs. Zawaj urfi (unregistered but publicly done) is halal; boyfriend-girlfriend "urfi" with no wali or witnesses is absolutely invalid.

What are the rulings of the widow's mourning period (haddad/iddah) in Islam?

A widow must observe the haddad (mourning iddah) for four months and ten days — explicitly stated in Quran 2:234 and wajib. She must avoid decorative clothing, makeup, perfume, and jewelry while maintaining normal hygiene. The default is to remain in the marital home; she may leave for daytime needs. Genuine hardship allows staying with a mahram. No explicit marriage proposal is permitted during this period.