Standing with Helpless, Widowed and Orphaned Women: Marriage, Shelter and Society's Collective Responsibility

Our sixth goal is standing with widows (Our goal: Supporting Widows). Honourable marriage and safe shelter for a woman who has lost her husband or guardian, or who is poor or orphaned — this is the work closest to IMB's heart.

The instruction of the Qur'an and Sunnah

Marry off those among you who are unmarried... If they are poor, Allah will enrich them from His bounty. — (Surah An-Nur, 24:32)

The one who strives (with spending / care) for the widow and the poor person is like one who fights in the path of Allah. — (Sahih al-Bukhari 5353; Sahih Muslim 2982)

I and the guardian of an orphan will be in Paradise like this — (and he showed his index and middle fingers). — (Sahih al-Bukhari 5304)

Whom do we mean

• Widows: entitled to an honourable remarriage after the iddah (Widow marriage).
• Divorced women: entitled to empathy, not blame (Remarriage of a divorced woman).
• Orphaned and poor girls: entitled to a guardian's protection and help for a simple marriage.
• Women with disabilities: equal rights to dignity and marriage (Marriage of persons with disabilities).

The principle of help: consent and dignity

A widow or previously married woman may not be married off without taking her opinion. — (Sahih al-Bukhari 5136; Sahih Muslim 1419)

In the name of help, no one may be pressured, shown pity or hurried. In every step the woman's clear consent, the wali's involvement and confidentiality must be kept.

What society can do

1. Introductions: an honourable introduction to a religious, verified and responsible groom.
2. Financial help: donations for the mahr, a simple arrangement, household items and initial expenses.
3. Shelter and work: safe housing and opportunities for honourable earning.
4. The children's security: for a widow with children, arrangements for the children's protection and education on remarriage (Maintenance).
5. Breaking superstitions: awareness against pre-Islamic ideas such as "a widow is ill-omened"; the Messenger of Allah ﷺ himself married several widows (The Prophet's marriages).
6. Legal protection: help in claiming mahr, maintenance and inheritance.

An orphan's property is a trust

Safeguarding an orphan's property is a heavy trust; unjust consumption is a fearful sin. The guardian will keep the property in writing and transparently and give priority to the girl's consent and welfare in her marriage.

Caution: protection from exploitation

There is a risk of fraud, secret marriage or deprivation of rights taking advantage of helplessness. So in every proposal the groom's marital status, the legal process, mahr, housing and maintenance must be written and clear (10 questions if you want to become a second wife).

Taking part through IMB and donations

For women, application and verification are always free with us. There is a separate donation fund for the marriage of helpless women — you can take part by giving your zakat and sadaqah here; you will receive a receipt for every donation.

A step-by-step plan of help

1. Listening: learning the woman's needs, fears and wishes with respect — not pressure or pity.
2. Safety: urgent arrangements for a roof over her head, food and medical care.
3. Rights: a clear idea of mahr, maintenance, inheritance and custody of the children, and legal help.
4. Verified introduction: an introduction to a religious and responsible groom in the presence of the wali.
5. Written transparency: the mahr, housing and maintenance clear in the Nikahnama (Nikahnama).
6. Nikah and registration: with a simple arrangement and proper registration.

Standing by after the marriage

Help does not end on the wedding day. It takes time to adjust to a new household; when family and society keep asking after her, help with arbitration if needed and stand by her if any injustice occurs, the woman feels secure (What a wife can do if the husband is not just).

Special consideration for a widow with children

Three things are important in remarriage: the emotional preparation of the children, a pledge of good conduct towards them from the new husband and protecting the property rights of the fatherless children. Unjustly consuming an orphan's property is a grave sin.

Caution and confidentiality

It is improper to publicise the identity, photos or personal information of helpless women. Maintaining confidentiality, not exploiting anyone's weakness and keeping all information limited to necessary and trusted people is part of the help.

How you can take part

• Zakat and sadaqah: donations towards the mahr and arrangements for the marriage of a helpless woman (Donate).
• Introductions: telling us of a religious, suitable groom or bride you know.
• Time and skills: cooperation in advice, legal help or training.
• Awareness: speaking out against social superstitions about widows and divorced women.

Final word

For application or help, contact us.