A Widow
As a window, a woman’s rights are secured by Islamic law. She can have a new
marriage through her full consent legal following a certain reasonable period after
the death of her husband:
“And if you die and leave wives behind, they shall undergo without remarrying a
waiting period of four months and ten days: where upon when they have reached
the end of their waiting-term, there shall be no sin in whatever they may do with
their persons legally. And God is aware of all that you do.” (2:234)
No male related to the husband’s family can force a widow to marry him- treating
her as an object that may be inherited, nor can he deprive her from her rights of
inheritance or otherwise:
13
“It is not lawful for you to (try to) inherit women against their will; nor should
you treat them with harshness that you may take part of the dowry you have
given them.” (4:19)
When the waiting period comes to an end, a man can express his desire to marry
directly or indirectly, but the marriage should be decided in full agreement of both
partners and should be celebrated openly:
“But you will incur no sin if you give a hint of (an intended) marriage- offer to
(any of) these (windowed) women, or if you conceal such an intention within
yourselves: (for) God knows that you intend to ask them in marriage. Do not
however, engage them in secret, but speak only in a decent manner; and do not
proceed with tying marriage-knot until the ordained (waiting term) has come to
its end. And know that God knows what is in your minds, and therefore remain
conscious of Him…” (2:235)