Widowhood is a curse of our society.

Bismillahir Rahmanir Rahim.

As-Salamu Alaikum Wa Rahmatullahi Wa Barakatuhu.

Dear friends,

I hope you are all well. I am also well and healthy with your prayers and the infinite mercy of Allah Almighty.

Widowhood is a curse of our society.

The structure of human society is built on family, kinship and social relations. But in this society, some situations occur that become difficult not only for the individual but also for the entire society. One of them is becoming a widow. Although becoming a widow is a personal tragedy, in many cultures and societies it is seen as a kind of curse, which brings innumerable hardships and deprivations in the life of a woman.

Here, the word “curse” is being used not only in a spiritual or religious sense, but also as a symbol of social neglect, exploitation, deprivation and inhumane treatment.

1. The reality of being a widow

A widow means a woman whose husband has died. The death of a husband creates extreme emotional trauma and emptiness in the life of any wife. It is a moment where a woman not only loses a loved one, but also a major pillar of support in her life.

In many societies in the subcontinent, including Bangladesh, the death of a husband means the beginning of a new chapter in a woman's life—where love, security, financial status, and social status are all in question.

2. Society's perspective — Why is it called a 'curse'

In many societies, widowhood is seen as a kind of burden or an evil symbol. For example—

Obscene beliefs: In many rural areas, it is believed that seeing a widow means that the day's work will be inauspicious.

Social isolation: Widows' participation in festivals, weddings, or joyful events is limited.

Controls on dress and lifestyle: In many places, widows are discouraged from wearing colorful clothes, wearing jewelry, and even being cheerful.

All these customs take away joy, independence, and self-respect from the life of a widow. As a result, she is gradually deprived of the right to live her own life.

3. Financial and security problems

The biggest challenge after becoming a widow is financial security. Many women do not have their own income or assets.

When the husband dies, the main source of income for the family is lost.

If male relatives have control over the property, the widow may also be deprived of her due share.

The education, food and future security of her children are threatened.

In rural areas, many times the widow's land is seized, and she becomes devastated before she can get legal help.

4. Mental anguish and loneliness

Losing a husband is the biggest mental shock in a woman's life. But in our society, instead of comforting her, additional social pressure is often created on her.

Loneliness and loneliness make her depressed.

Many people develop a fear of insecurity.

The tendency to blame the widow—as if she is responsible for her husband's death—makes her mental state worse.

5. Impact on children

The children of widows also suffer from social deprivation.

Their educational life is disrupted due to financial crisis.

Being 'fatherless' in society, they are given pity instead of sympathy, which reduces their self-confidence.

As a result, these children face various obstacles in their future development.

6. Social exploitation and insecurity

Widows are often subjected to various exploitations, including sexual harassment, fraud and property grabbing. Since they do not have a husband, they have no one to protect them—this weakness is taken advantage of by many.

7. Religious perspective

Most religions, including Islam, Christianity, and Buddhism, speak of sympathy, cooperation, and respect for widows.

In Islam, widows are encouraged to remarry and the responsibility of supporting them financially is given to relatives and society.

Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) himself married widows and set an example in protecting their dignity.

But in reality, we often go against religious injunctions and increase the suffering of widows.

8. Ways to solve the problem

To transform the life of widows from a ‘curse’ to a ‘dignified life’, we need to take some steps—

Raising social awareness — Campaigning against superstitions and inhumane treatment.

Economic empowerment — Creating opportunities for microfinance, training and employment.

Law enforcement — Effectively implementing laws related to property and maintenance.

Psychological support — Establishing counseling centers and support groups.

Opportunities for remarriage — Making widow remarriage socially acceptable.

Becoming a widow is not a woman’s choice; it is a sad reality of life. But the wrong views, prejudices and neglect of our society deepen this misery. To reduce the suffering of widows, we need to change our attitudes, follow religious values correctly, and increase state and social support systems.

Widows are not a burden on society—they are an important part of our society. If we can give them respect, security, and love, widows will no longer be considered a ‘scourge of society’, but will instead be an example of our collective responsibility and humanity.