Widows in Islam: Rights, Status & Iddah Explained

The status of widows in Islam is a discussable topic as people around the world want to know what is widowhood in Islam. In this article, you will learn the teaching that the Quran gives to its followers about widow remarriage, property inheritance, and other rights.

What is Iddah or Iddat in Islam?

In literal meaning, the meaning of Iddah is to keep a count. In Islamic terminology, the word Iddah is used for a time frame of four months and 10 days for a widow after the death of her husband. Whereas, a period of three months for a woman who was divorced.

During the period of Iddah, a woman is instructed not to enter into a marital contract. There are two reasons for a woman to observe the period of Iddah.

1. A woman might get depressed and face psychological issues. In the period of Iddah, a woman can mourn the death of her husband. It is a period that gives time to a widow to heal emotional and psychological shock and distress.

2. Islam has strict rules related to the identity of a child’s father. Therefore, the period of four months is to ensure that a widow is not pregnant with her deceased husband.

If she is pregnant then her waiting period extends until she delivers the child.

After observing the period of Iddah the widow is free according to the teachings of Islam to enter into a marital contract.

Widows Right to Remarry in Islam

The religion of Islam allows a woman to remarry if she becomes a widow. By entering a second or even a third marriage a widow doesn’t lose her respect and dignity in society. She has the right to find a partner who stands by her and enjoys her life without any guilt or shame. On the other hand, a widow is also free to remain celibate. 

Islam encourages the marriage of individuals and it also says that society should help the individuals so they could get married. In Surah-al-Baqarh, Allah says:

 “And those of you who die and leave behind wives, they should keep themselves apart for a period of four months and ten days, then when they complete their period, then O guardians! There is no blame on you in anything, which the women do with regard to themselves according to law.” (Quran 2:234)

It is clear from the above-mentioned verse that after the death of a husband, a widow should not enter into Nikah (marriage contract) for the period of four months and ten days. After the prescribed period there is nothing wrong for her to get remarried. 

“And there is no sin on you regarding this, that you sent offer of marriage to women . . . until the written term reaches to its period . . .” (Quran 2:235)

The next verse of Surah Baqarah clearly conveys the message of Allah for men that they can marry a widow and there is nothing wrong with proposing a widow for Nikah, but he should wait until the period of Iddah is over.

Right to Inherit Property

A widow in Islam is clearly entitled to a share of the property of her deceased husband. Allah says in the Quran:

“And your wives will inherit one-fourth of what you leave if you are childless. But if you have children, then your wives will receive one-eighth of your estate—after the fulfillment of bequests and debts.” (Quran 4:12)

A widow is given a share of her husband’s property because as a woman she gets a share from her father’s property. Similarly, a woman is also entitled to a share of her son’s property.

Right to Child Maintenance

After the death of a husband, a widow is not the only one who is responsible for providing food and shelter to her children. Islam lessens the burden of a widow in child-rearing.

After the father, the grandfather is a guardian of the child. He is responsible to bear the expenses of his grandchild and look after him. In the absence of a grandfather, the state has the authority to determine the guardian and handle all the assets and expenses of a child.

Right to Freedom and Equality

Islam provides equal rights to widows without any discrimination. They have the liberty to socialize and actively participate in political and economic activities. There is no restriction on any form of participating in religious and social ceremonies. 

As stated above, widows can remarry or remain celibate. They inherit the property of their deceased husband. They are also free to sell that property or use it in the best possible way they wish. Islam gives dignity and equal equal rights to widows without any disparity.

Polygamy in Islam

Islam permits men to marry more than one woman at a time and the reason behind this is to keep a balance in society because of more deaths of men due to certain reasons such as illness, car accidents, and most importantly wars which lead to a surplus of women. 

The dilemma of more women than men can only be solved by permitting a man to marry more than one woman at a time. Additionally, polygamy also saves women from getting into the evil of prostitution and adultery. It provides them with social and economic security. 

In the Quran, Allah says:

“Then marry such other women as seem good to you, two, three or four. . .” (Qur’an, 4:3)

Allah revealed these verses subsequent to the battle of Uhud 625 A.D, when a large number of Muslim men lost their lives fighting for Islam, leaving a number of widows behind. Then Allah revealed these verses encouraging men to marry widows to provide them with social security.

Marriages of Prophet Muhammad P.B.U.H with Widows

During the era of Prophet P.B.U.H, there were no barriers to the remarriage of widows. Widows were free to get remarried and their marriage was considered desirable and fresh. Prophet P.B.U.H mostly married widows and divorced women to support them socially and financially.

He first got married at the age of 25 years to Hazrat Khadija R.A who was a widow and her age was above 40 years. After the death of Hazrat Khadija R.A, Prophet Muhammad married Hazrat Sawda bint Zam’ah, who was a widow and was older than Prophet PBUH.

After that He married Hazrat Ayesha R.A. the daughter of Hazrat Abu Bakr R.A., she was the youngest wife of Prophet Muhammad P.B.U.H. Then He married Hazrat Hafsa R.A, Hazrat Zaynab bint Khuzayma, Hazrat Umme Salama, Hazrat Habiba Ramla who were all widows, and Zainab bint Jahash who was divorced.

If we study in detail the marriages of Prophet Muhammad P.B.U.H we can find that he married widowed and divorced women. Surely to set an example for his followers to provide security and support to the most vulnerable group of the society.

Learn about Challenges Faced by Widows Around the World

Learn more about Barriers that Stop Widows from Getting Remarried

FAQ’s

Can a widow inherit a property from her deceased husband?

Generally, a widow is eligible to inherit the property of her deceased husband. It further depends on three things;

1. The national laws of the country
2. The religion you follow
3. The social and cultural patterns

Can a Muslim widow inherit property from her deceased husband?

Yes, Islam clearly directs that a widow is fully entitled to inherit the property of her deceased husband.