What does Halaala and Iddah mean?

Q. I saw the word "halaala" in the second issue of this newsletter. What does this word mean? What does I'ddah mean?

A. (a) "Halaala" is the procedure that makes a woman, divorced by 3 talaaqs, halaal for her previous husband. In the event that a woman has had one or two talaaq, there are two situations that can arise:

1. The Nikah must not be renewed.

2. The Nikah must be renewed.

In the first case, the consent of the husband alone is sufficient. In the second case, the woman's consent must also be obtained. In both cases, the couple can go back to live together.

But when the woman has had three talaaqs, then she cannot return to the 'husband' unless she has contracted a marriage (Nikah) with another man and that the latter, after consummating the marriage, dies or gives her Talaaq. After her I'ddah, the first 'husband' may renew the Nikah with her, if both of them consent. This procedure is called "halaala" because it makes the wife halaal for the first husband, provided, of course, that the second Nikah is not contracted under pressure or precisely for the purpose of making the wife halaal for the first husband. It is haraam to make such an arrangement and Rasulullah (Sallallaahu A'laihi Wasallam) said that Allah Ta'ala cursed the first and second husband.

(b) "I'ddah" is the period that a woman must pass before she "comes out" of the Nikah of her husband. The period of I'ddah is:

I. three months for a girl who has not yet had her menstruations or for a woman who has already had her menopause.

II. of three menstruations for a woman who is menstruating.

III. until delivery for a pregnant woman.

IV. of four months and ten days for a woman whose husband has passed away.

[English version of "Que signifie "halaala" et I'ddah ?" – Al Haadi – Vol. 1 No. 3]