04/08/2026
*ISLAMIC RULING ON MOURNING FOR PARENTS: IS STAYING INDOORS FOR 21 OR 41 DAYS PART OF ISLAM?*
*A question was asked regarding whether a Muslim woman whose parent has died must remain indoors for 21 or 41 days before returning to work or her business.*
According to the explanation by *Sheikh Abdulqodir Jumuha Salman Solagberu,Malami Ubandoma Geri of Ilorin* :( *Alfakumullahu* )
The practice of a woman staying indoors for 21 or 41 days after the death of her father or mother has no basis in the Qur'an or the authentic Sunnah of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). It is not an Islamic obligation but a cultural practice that some people have adopted and mistakenly attributed to Islam.
Islam does not instruct a woman whose parent has passed away to suspend her work, business, or normal daily activities for 21 or 41 days. Since there is no authentic evidence from the Qur'an or Hadith to support this practice, it should not be regarded as part of the religion.
In Islam, introducing acts of worship or religious obligations without evidence from the Qur'an and Sunnah is known as bid'ah (religious innovation), and Muslims are instructed to avoid innovations in matters of religion.
Therefore, after observing the normal period of mourning and receiving condolences( *which is 3 days* said by prophet Mohammed s.a.w) peace and blessings Be upon him a woman may return to her lawful work or business. There is no Islamic requirement for her to remain confined indoors for 21 or 41 days because of the death of her parent.
However, there is a clear exception in Islamic law regarding a widow. A woman whose husband dies is required to observe the waiting period ('iddah) of four months and ten days, as stated in the Qur'an. During this period, she should avoid beautification such as makeup, perfume, and adornment.
If the widow has a genuine necessity
such as government employment, running a business to provide for herself and her children, or another essential need Islam permits her to leave the house for those necessary purposes and return home afterward, while continuing to observe the guidelines of 'iddah.
For a widow who is pregnant, her 'iddah ends when she gives birth, even if that occurs before four months and ten days have passed. This ruling is established in the Qur'an.
Muslims are encouraged to ensure that their religious practices are based on authentic evidence from the Qur'an and the Sunnah, and not solely on inherited customs or traditions.
