Is the waiting period ('iddah) for a widow one year in Islam?

No. According to the consensus of Islamic scholars, the initial provision for a one-year waiting period mentioned in Quran 2:240 was abrogated. The final, binding ruling is in Quran 2:234, which establishes the 'iddah for a widow as four months and ten days.

Why was the ruling in Quran 2:240 (a year's maintenance for widows) abrogated?

Classical scholars like Ibn 'Abbas explain that the ruling of a year's maintenance was a temporary measure before the detailed laws of inheritance were revealed. It was abrogated by Surah An-Nisa (e.g., 4:12), which grants the widow a fixed, mandatory share of the inheritance (one-fourth or one-eighth).

If the ruling of Quran 2:240 is abrogated, why is the verse still in the Quran?

As recorded by Imam Al-Bukhari, when 'Uthman ibn 'Affan was asked this, he replied he would not change any part of the Quran from its place. Scholars explain the wisdom is that its recitation still carries a spiritual reward, and it shows the historical development and mercy of Islamic law.

Provision for Widows: Understanding the Abrogated Ruling of a Year's Maintenance in the Quran

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🕌Al-Baqarah2:240

At a Glance

According to the universal consensus of classical Islamic scholarship, the ruling in Quran 2:240—which prescribed a bequest for a widow's maintenance and residence for one year—represents a preliminary and now-abrogated stage of Islamic law. As explained by authorities like Ibn Kathir and Al-Qurtubi, this verse provided essential social security for widows before the final legal framework was established. The ruling on the one-year duration was superseded by Quran 2:234, which definitively sets the widow's waiting period ('iddah) at four months and ten days. Furthermore, the financial provision aspect was replaced by the verses on inheritance (Mawarith), such as Quran 4:12, which grant the widow a fixed, non-discretionary share of her husband's estate. The verse remains in the Quranic text for its spiritual reward in recitation and as a testament to the merciful, gradual development of divine legislation.

📖 Quranic Context

This verse is a prominent and universally cited example of abrogation (naskh) in the Quran, demonstrating the gradual nature of Islamic legislation.

It showcases Allah's initial provision and mercy for widows in a time before the fixed laws of inheritance and a shorter waiting period were established, highlighting a progression towards a final, balanced legal framework.

References: Surah Al-Baqarah, Ayah 240 is the sole reference to this specific ruling.

💭 Theological Perspective

Addresses the societal vulnerability of widows and the need for their protection and financial security.

Recognizes the period of grief and transition a widow experiences, initially providing a longer timeframe for support.

Serves as a critical case study in Usul al-Fiqh (Principles of Islamic Jurisprudence) regarding the concept of abrogation, where one ruling is superseded by a subsequent one.

The recitation of the verse, despite its ruling being abrogated, still carries spiritual reward, emphasizing the sacredness of all of Allah's words.

📜 Hadith Perspective

Discussions among the companions, such as Ibn Az-Zubayr's question to 'Uthman ibn 'Affan about why the verse remains in the Quran's text if abrogated, confirm its status.

The final 'iddah for a widow is four months and ten days.
A widow is entitled to a fixed share of inheritance (1/8th or 1/4th).
The legislative wisdom of maintaining abrogated verses in the Quranic text for recitation and reflection.

There is a near-universal consensus (ijma) among classical Sunni scholars that the ruling of verse 2:240 is abrogated.

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At a Glance

📖 Quranic Context

💭 Theological Perspective

📜 Hadith Perspective

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