Q. My husband and I are separated for 8 years now. Is the nikaah still valid? What about iddat? In the event of his death, do I observe iddat?
A. If your husband did not issue a Talaaq to you at any time, you still remain married to each other even if 8 years have passed. In the event, he passes away, it will be compulsory upon you to observe the Iddah period. A mere separation regardless of the amount of the time apart between spouses does not terminate the marriage without a Talaaq been issued.
Allah Ta’ala Knows Best
Mufti Ismaeel Bassa
themufti.com