The waiting period after a husband's death or divorce, during which a widow's status is defined.
In Islamic law
A widow observes an 'iddah of four months and ten days. Relevant to inheritance because a wife who is within a revocable divorce's waiting period at the time of death generally still inherits.
In Canadian law
No Canadian analogue, but the underlying question — whether a separated or divorced spouse still inherits — very much exists. In Ontario, a married spouse separated with no reasonable prospect of reconciliation loses intestate inheritance rights, and divorce revokes gifts to a former spouse in a will.
No significant difference between the four Sunni schools is recorded on this point in the sources reviewed. Where a specific case turns on it, ask a qualified scholar rather than relying on a general summary.
Canadian legal detail
Treadstone Law, an Ontario firm with a wills and estates practice, covers the Canadian side of this in more depth:
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- Review hearing challenge continued cas involvement
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This entry is general information, not legal or religious advice. Inheritance turns on the exact family circumstances. Confirm Canadian law with a lawyer in your province, and any religious ruling with a qualified scholar.