نكاح الأرملة
One of our six core goals
Supporting Widows
The Qur'an commands society to arrange the marriage of the unmarried, widows and divorced women. The one who strives for widows and the poor is like one who fights in the path of Allah — this is the work closest to IMB's heart.
The instruction of the Qur'an and Sunnah
The word "ayama" includes widows and divorced unmarried women; arranging their marriage is society's collective duty. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ himself married several widows, setting the example.
A woman's consent and dignity
A widow or divorced woman cannot be married off without her clear opinion. After the iddah, looking for an honourable groom and ensuring the children's security and the mahr and maintenance — all this is part of the work.
For orphans and the helpless
There is good news that the guardian of an orphan will be a companion of the Prophet ﷺ in Paradise. Helping in the marriage of orphaned, poor and disabled women can be an ongoing charity.
How IMB helps
For women the application and verification are always free; we ensure the wali's involvement, a written mahr and safe introductions. There is a separate donation fund for the marriage of helpless women.
Evidence from the Qur'an and Sunnah
وَأَنكِحُوا الْأَيَامَىٰ مِنكُمْ وَالصَّالِحِينَ مِنْ عِبَادِكُمْ وَإِمَائِكُمْ ۚ إِن يَكُونُوا فُقَرَاءَ يُغْنِهِمُ اللَّهُ مِن فَضْلِهِ ۗ وَاللَّهُ وَاسِعٌ عَلِيمٌ
السَّاعِي عَلَى الْأَرْمَلَةِ وَالْمِسْكِينِ كَالْمُجَاهِدِ فِي سَبِيلِ اللَّهِ
أَنَا وَكَافِلُ الْيَتِيمِ فِي الْجَنَّةِ هَكَذَا
The Arabic text and translations are checked by a scholar before publication; please tell us if you see any mistake.
Common questions
How long is a widow's iddah?
Four months and ten days; if she is pregnant, until the birth of the child.
How can one help in the marriage of a helpless woman?
By donating towards the mahr and arrangements, introducing suitable grooms and encouraging families towards a simple marriage. Our donate page has a separate fund for this.
Our articles on this topic
Read the articles below for more detail.
- Standing with Helpless, Widowed and Orphaned Women: Marriage, Shelter and Society's Collective ResponsibilityThe one who strives for widows and the poor is like one who fights in the path of Allah. What society should do for the honourable marriage and shelter of helpless, orphaned, widowed and divorced women, and the practical ways of helping.Read →
- Widow Marriage: Islam's Guidance, the Iddah and Society's MisconceptionsWhy does society see the remarriage of a woman who has lost her husband as shameful? In light of the Qur'an and Sunnah: a widow's iddah, the rules of proposals, responsibility for the children, and what society should do.Read →
- Remarriage of a Divorced Woman: The Iddah, Dignity and What the Family Should DoWhy does society blame a woman after divorce? In light of the Qur'an and Sunnah: the divorced woman's iddah, maintenance, her right to remarry and the correct role of the family.Read →
- Marriage of Women and Men with Disabilities: Islam's Outlook and Society's ResponsibilityThe right to marry, the dignity and society's duty towards brothers and sisters with disabilities. Honesty, choosing a suitable groom or bride, family support and ways to help.Read →
We are by your side
Application, verification and introduction — all under scholarly supervision, in a Shariah-compliant and lawful way. If you have questions, contact us.