Malfuzat - Volume VIII — Page 417
Undated 417 upon dying and made a good name for himself. So, these are all evil ways that must be avoided. 4. If a woman’s husband dies, even if that woman is young, marry- ing another husband is considered to be so bad as if it is a great burdensome sin. And she remains a widow and childless all her life, thinking that she has done something highly meritorious and becoming of a chaste wife. However, for her to remain a widow is a severe sin. It is a highly meritorious act for women who become widows, to marry and have another husband. Such a woman is indeed very blessed and righteous who, being a widow and of older age, fearful of evil thoughts, mar- ries someone and does not fear the curses of evil women. Women who hinder obedience to the commands of God and His Messenger are themselves accursed and disciples of the devil through whom he does his work. A woman who loves the Messenger of Allah (may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) should find an honest and righteous husband after becoming a widow and remember that being engaged in the service of her husband is a hundred times better than remaining engaged in waz i fahs [repetitive reciting of prayers] as a widow. 5. Another bad habit found among women is that they disobey men in every little thing, spend their wealth without their leave, and when angry, they launch a tirade of abuses about them. Such women are cursed in the sight of Allah and the Messenger. Their Prayer, Fasting, and any other action are not accepted. Allah the Exalted clearly states that a woman cannot be virtu- ous unless she obeys her husband completely, respects him with heartfelt love, and does not wish him any ill behind his back. And the Messenger of God, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, has said that women must be submissive to their husbands; otherwise, their actions will not be accepted, and