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.
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)
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)