This content is derived from the book “500 Questions and Answers for Women”, based on the fatwas of the scholars of the Haramain, translated by Hafiz Abdullah Saleem.
Question:
Is it permissible for a wife not to remarry after the death of her first husband? Similarly, is it permissible for a man to command his wife that if he passes away before her, she should not marry another man?
Answer:
It is not permissible for a woman to abstain from remarrying after her husband’s death. Such an action is specific only to the wives of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ). Similarly, it is not permissible for a husband to make such a condition or instruction, preventing his wife from remarrying after his death. Moreover, it is not obligatory for a wife to comply with such a command from her husband.
This is based on the saying of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ):
“Obedience is only in matters of goodness.”
(Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith No. 6726; Sahih Muslim, Hadith No. 180)
Thus, obedience to a command that contradicts the principles of goodness or involves disobedience to Allah is not required.
(Source: Saudi Fatwa Committee)
