An Initiative by JIH, Chennai Women’s Department, on International Widows Day
By Rabia Basri
On the eve of International Widows Day, on June 29, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind (JIH), Chennai, Women’s Department, organized a special initiative to support and empower widows. This initial program aimed to address the needs of widows and provide them with necessary tools and skills to improve their lives.
Rahila Noman, Secretary of JIH Women’s Department, addressed the gathering. She introduced Jamaat’s activities and explained the purpose of the program. She highlighted that widows in Islam are entitled to support and protection from their families and the community. The Qur’an emphasizes the importance of providing for those in need, including widows, as seen in the verse: “For divorced women, maintenance (should be provided) on a reasonable (scale). This is a duty on the righteous” (The Qur’an 2:241), which extends to widows in terms of general care and maintenance.
Rabia Basri, JIH National Assistant Secretary of the Women’s Department, added, “To build a better society, we must focus on helping the most vulnerable, especially widows and orphans. And emphasized the importance of empowering widows to bring about positive change in society. She said following the example set during the first Islamic civilization, where the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ emphasized caring for these groups, we can make a significant difference. She highlighted that in Islam, widows and orphans were given special attention and support. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ encouraged providing for their needs and ensuring their well-being. By adopting this compassionate approach, we can create a more caring and inclusive society.”
Dr. Selvi from the Women Restore and Redeem Society also spoke, highlighting the numerous social disadvantages faced by widows in India. She pointed out that discriminatory practices leave widows vulnerable and economically unstable. Widowhood often leads to economic and health hardships, with many expected to withdraw from regular life, a condition described as “perpetual mourning.”
The event was attended by 25 widows, both Muslims and non-Muslims, and representatives from four training partners:
- Women Restore and Redeem Society
- Equitas Bank (CSR training division)
- WISHALL (training division)
- Safai Karam Andolan
All four trainers introduced themselves and shared their plans to provide training in tailoring, soap making, phenyl production, slipper making, and business skills. They also committed to arranging exhibitions to sell the products made by widows.
The feedback from the participants was overwhelmingly positive. The widows expressed that the program was very inspiring and highlighted the importance of benefiting others. They showed their eagerness to learn and develop new skills and stated their readiness to support the organization and bring other sisters to future programs.
The participants emphasized the need for such programs to be held occasionally to keep them motivated. One sister remarked that after attending the program, she felt better about herself and wanted to connect with the organizers further. Another sister mentioned that she would gather a few more sisters and asked for trainees to teach tailoring at her place. Participants feeling more empowered and ready to take on new challenges.
By continuing such initiatives, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Women’s Department, Chennai, hopes to create a more caring and inclusive society, where widows and other vulnerable groups are given the respect and support, they deserve.
