Question:A woman’s husband has passed away, and she is now in her waiting period of mourning. It is known that adornment in body and clothing is forbidden for her during this time. She asks: 1.Is it permissible for her to attend her sister’s wedding, knowing that she will not wear decorative clothing or perfume, but that in the wedding there will inevitably be pleasant scents such as incense and perfumes, along with clapping and expressions of joy? 2.Is it permissible for her to attend the celebrations of the Ahl al-Bayt (PBUT), where it is customary for attendees to have rosewater sprinkled on their faces, which has a pleasant fragrance, and to participate in recitations and chants that involve joy and happiness?

Answer:1: In the name of Allah, she is not permitted to leave the house of her husband where she is observing her waiting period. Allah knows best. 2: In the name of Allah, the ruling is understood from the above. Allah knows best.

Question:Why is the waiting period of divorce three months and the widow's four months and ten days?

Answer:In the name of Allah, be advised, that the rulings of marriage, divorce and waiting periods are all pure rulings of worship. These are similar to the rules of the number of the praying units [rikaat] of the daily prayers, such as the dawn prayer has two praying units, the noon and the afternoon have four each, and the sunset has three. Each praying unit has one kneeling and two prostration. In the same principle, we cannot realize the reason of these numbers. We are – as Muslims – have to submit and be humble to the rulings of Allah Almighty. Allah is the Guide.