Title: Observing Three-month Waiting Period after Prolonged Separation Question: Please can you explain why there is a three month wait in Islam before you can remarry after divorce. I have been legally separated fro my ex husband for 2 years and then my divorce has taken a further 6 months to come through as the law is so complicated. I want to marry my Muslim partner and do not understand why we now have to wait three months more. Jacqualine Murray United Kingdom Answer: The three months waiting period is for any potential pregnancy to become visually apparent. This obviously implies that in case a prolonged separation has preceded the ultimate divorce between a husband and a wife, then the wife would not be required by the Shari`ah to observe the three month waiting period. Keeping the foregoing clarification in perspective, it should be clear that according to my understanding, you are not required by the Shari`ah to observe the generally prescribed three-month waiting period. Nevertheless, as a safeguard against any future complications, I would strongly recommend that before planning your marriage, you should adequately confirm that the law of your place of residence does not require you to observe the three-month waiting period. I hope this helps. Fond regards, Moiz Amjad October 9, 2003