The Ruling on a Woman’s Marriage After Her Husband’s Death

Question:
There is a strange social attitude toward a woman whose husband dies and who then marries again. She becomes the talk of the people, and they look at her as an unfaithful woman, in addition to labeling her with many vulgar descriptions. Her children are also mocked because of it, unlike the view of a woman who does not remarry. Regardless of what she does, we ask for guidance regarding this problem. May Allah reward you with good.

Answer:
A woman marrying after completing her waiting period ('iddah) from the death of her husband is a required matter. Those who disapprove of that have made a grave error. Likewise, their disparaging her, criticizing her, or making jokes about it is all an error. Rather, women should be encouraged to marry, because marriage is good for them. It is one of the means of lowering the gaze and guarding private parts, and one of the means of increasing offspring. Even if she is old and does not bear children, the Sunnah (recommended practice) is for her to marry if marriage is feasible, because of the good in it, cooperation in good, lowering the gaze, protecting her reputation from bad talk, and avoiding exposure to dangers. Therefore, those who disparage a woman who marries after her husband’s death have erred and assisted in falsehood. It is not permissible to pay attention to them or to act upon their saying. Rather, they must seek forgiveness from Allah and repent for what they have done. Yes. May Allah reward you with good.