Seclusion of a woman in her Hidad

Q 1: In the Island of Farasan we practice the following custom: When a man dies, his wife observes `Iddah (woman's prescribed waiting period after widowhood) for four months and ten days as prescribed in Islam. However, during this period the woman stays alone at her late husband's house and completely isolates herself from other people. She would make up for the day she happens to see someone even if it is one of her friends. She continues to isolate herself from other people until her `Iddah expires. Is that custom correct? If `Iddah is prescribed to make sure whether the wife is pregnant or not, is an old widow who has passed the age of childbearing obligated to observe `Iddah? Please advise, May Allah reward you best.

A: the widow shall be considered exceeding the proper limits of Hidad (prescribed mourning period during which a widow does not adorn herself and keeps to the home of her deceased husband) if she isolates herself from people. It is wrong to make up for the days she happens to see anyone during the period of `Iddah, as she would be burdening herself to do what she is not required to do. Thus, it is clear that this custom is incorrect. There is no blame on her if she mixes with other women or Mahrams (unmarriageable relatives). May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.