How long is the iddah period after divorce, and what are its rules?

Iddah is the waiting period a woman observes after divorce or the death of her husband before she can remarry. It is obligatory and has clear timeframes in Islam. After divorce, a woman with a regular menstrual cycle waits three complete menstrual cycles. A woman who does not menstruate waits three lunar months. A pregnant woman's iddah ends only when she delivers her baby, regardless of how long that takes. After the death of her husband, iddah extends to four months and ten days, or until delivery if she is pregnant. During iddah after a revocable divorce, the husband retains the right to reconcile without a new nikah. After iddah ends, reconciliation requires a fresh nikah. She must remain in the marital home during iddah unless there is genuine harm or hardship. She cannot be forced out and should not leave without valid reason.