Living separately from one's husband for a long time

Question:

A woman lived separately from her husband for a long time and after that her husband gave her Talaaq. Must this woman observe Iddah before contracting Nikah?

Reply:

If this woman did not live with her husband at all after Nikah, then she will not have to observe Iddah after Talaaq. But in case they had the opportunity to live as husband and wife, then the woman must observe Iddah after Talaaq. Living separately for a long time does not mean anything.

[English version of "Reste séparé avec so missié pendant ene bon boute le temps" – Al Jamiat – Vol.6 No.1]