The Widow and Rasulullah (Sallallahu Alayhi Wasallam)

Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) said that a widow, who in spite of her wealth and honourable position in society does not marry again solely to care for her children, and in this effort she loses her beauty and figure, will be close to Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) – as close as the forefinger is to the middle finger. She will be a very close neighbour of Rasulullah (Sallallahu alayhi wasallam) in Jannah.

This Hadith does not discourage widows from marriage. It merely speaks of the lofty rank of a widow who refrains from marriage in order to care for her little children.

When there is a greater probability of her children being neglected if she should marry again, then it is preferable that she refrains from marriage. She should also be such a woman who has the fear of Allah and who will be able to maintain her honour and chastity.

(The Majlis Archives)