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Fatwa CenterRights of a deceased husband on his wife
Question
Three months ago, my husband passed away. I need to know. 1) If its okay to post his name on the top of his tomb (Kaber) so we can recognize his grave when visiting him. 2) Is woman allows visiting the grave? 3) What are his rights on me as a Muslim wife after his death?
Answer
All perfect praise be to Allaah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allaah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger. We ask Allaah to exalt his mention as well as that of his family and all his companions.
It is compulsory for a widow to observe the following matters:
1. She should observe the waiting period whether or not she has consummated the marriage. The waiting period differs according to the circumstance of the widow. If she is pregnant, her waiting period is until she gives birth to the child. Allaah Says (interpretation of meaning): {And for those who are pregnant (whether they are divorced or their husbands are dead), their 'Iddah (prescribed period) is until they deliver (their burdens.}[65:4]. But if she is not pregnant, her waiting period is four months and ten days, whether she is a menstruating woman or not. Allaah says (interpretation of meaning): {And those of you who die and leave wives behind them, they (the wives) shall wait (as regards their marriage) for four months and ten days}[2:234].
2. She should mourn her husband during her waiting period. This has some rulings which can be summarized as follows:
a) She should remain in the same house where she lived at the time of her husband's death until the end of her waiting period. She should not go out except for necessity or need, such as going to the hospital for treatment or to the market to purchase her necessities like food, etc., provided that there is no one to provide them for her. She should not spend the night outside her own home.
b) She should wear simple clothes, avoiding elaborate garments.
c) She should avoid wearing jewellery, such as gold, silver, diamonds and pearls whether they are bracelets, necklaces, etc…
d) She should avoid wearing perfume of any kind incense, oil, etc.
e) She should avoid applying cosmetics to her eyes, cheeks and lips.
3. It is the right of the deceased husband on his wife to supplicate to Allaah to forgive him and have mercy on him. She should mention his good deeds, forgive his shortcomings and conceal his sins. Allaah says (interpretation of meaning): {And do not forget liberality between yourselves}[2:237].
Allaah knows best.
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