Malfuzat - Volume IX — Page 459
UNDATED 459 UNDATED The Nik ah of Widows Someone’s questions were presented to the Promised Messiah as : ‘In what situations is the nik ah of widows obligatory? At the time of her nik ah should her age, children, existing property, and living expenses be considered or not? Meaning, is the widow compelled to marry in all circumstances even if she is aged, or has many children, or has sufficient wealth?’ The Promised Messiah as responded: The injunction concerning the nik ah of a widow is the same as that for a virgin. As some nations consider the nik ah of a widow dishonourable, and this evil custom has spread widely, hence, a command has been given for the nik ah of a widow, but this does not mean that every widow must be married. Only they will be wedded that are capable of marriage and for whom nik ah is necessary. Some women are widowed at an old age, and some have other circumstances that they are incapable for nik ah. For example, a widow has a disease that makes her inca- pable of marriage, or she has many children and relations that her state is such that she cannot contemplate another husband. In such situations, there is no compulsion that a woman must be unnecessarily bound to marriage. However, this evil custom must be eradicated that a widow is forcefully kept without a husband all her life. 1 1. Badr, vol. 6, no. 41, p. 11 , dated 10 October 1907