Question

'Iddat' under Mohammadan law refers to

• A. A gift made on the occasion of marriage
• B. The right of the husband to divorce his wife
• C. Attaining of puberty
• D. None of the above

Hint:

In Muslim Law, it is important to know the specific terminology. Associate 'Iddat' with 'waiting period', 'Talaq' with 'divorce', 'Mahr' with 'dower', and 'Hiba' with 'gift'.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The question asks for the definition of 'Iddat' (or Iddah) in Muslim personal law.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
'Iddat' is a period of waiting or seclusion that a Muslim woman must observe after the dissolution of her marriage, either by divorce or the death of her husband. During this period, she is not allowed to remarry.
The purpose of Iddat is primarily to ascertain whether the woman is pregnant, so as to avoid confusion of paternity of the child. It is also considered a period of mourning, especially in the case of the husband's death.
Let's analyze the options:
- (A) A gift made on the occasion of marriage is 'Hiba' or simply a gift. The obligatory payment from husband to wife is 'Mahr' or dower.
- (B) The right of the husband to divorce his wife is 'Talaq'.
- (C) Attaining of puberty is 'Bulugh'.
None of the given options correctly defines Iddat.

Step 3: Final Answer:
'Iddat' is the waiting period a woman observes after the termination of her marriage. Since this definition is not among the options, 'None of the above' is the correct answer.