A husband permitting his wife not to observe Hidad if he dies before her

Q: A woman asked her husband to excuse her from observing Hidad (prescribed mourning period during which a widow does not adorn herself and keeps to the home of her deceased husband) if he died before her, and he gave her permission. (Part No. 20; Page No. 481) He died before her. What should she do? Please advise.

A: A husband does not have the right to excuse his wife from observing Hidad when he dies. If he dies before her, she must observe Hidad, even if he has excused her from it during his lifetime. This is because it was authentically reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) that he said: "It is unlawful for a woman who believes in Allah and the Day of Resurrection to mourn a dead person for more than three days, except her husband, (in which case the Hidad is) four months and ten (days)." (Related by Al-Bukhari and Muslim) May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.