Embodied Faith and Marginalized Motherhood: Decolonial Insights into Iddah through Interpretative Phenomenology

Abstract

This study examines the lived experiences of Muslim single mothers in Coimbatore who observe Iddah, the mandatory waiting period prescribed in Islamic law after divorce or widowhood. While Iddah has been widely discussed in theological and jurisprudential contexts, limited attention has been paid to how women themselves negotiate this practice in everyday life, particularly when they are single mothers balancing faith, livelihood, and motherhood. The research is grounded in Interpretative Phenomenological Analysis (IPA) and informed by a decolonial perspective, seeking to highlight women’s voices as authoritative sources of knowledge rather than subjects of external interpretation. Fifteen Muslim single mothers, aged between 23 and 40 years, were selected for the study. The sample included both employed and unemployed women, representing diverse socio-economic backgrounds. In-depth interviews were conducted, allowing participants to reflect on the spiritual, social, and economic dimensions of Iddah. Thematic analysis revealed four major themes: (i) faith as a source of strength and struggle, (ii) gendered expectations and community stigma, (iii) economic survival during Iddah, and (iv) Decolonial reinterpretations of faith and agency. The findings indicate that while Iddah imposes certain restrictions, participants also view it as a meaningful spiritual practice that provides emotional healing and resilience. At the same time, community surveillance and economic pressures exacerbate their marginalization as single mothers. By foregrounding women’s narratives, this research challenges orientalist and patriarchal readings of Iddah, offering decolonial insights into how faith is embodied, negotiated, and reinterpreted in the lives of marginalized Muslim mothers.