UMLC seeks support for widows
By Bashirat Omotosho
The University of Ilorin Muslim Ladies Circle (UMLC) has called for greater collective responsibility towards widows, stressing the need to protect their dignity, welfare and well-being in accordance with the teachings of Islam.
The call was made during the celebration of the 2026 edition of Widows Day last Wednesday (August 26, 2026) .
Themed “Widowhood and the Ummah: Our Collective Responsibility, Their Dignity.” the event held at the University Central Mosque.
It brought together members of the Muslim community and other stakeholders to reflect on the challenges confronting widows and the responsibilities of the Ummah towards them.
In her welcome address, the Amirah of the UMLC, Prof. Saudat Salah Abdulbaqi, emphasised the importance of remembering and supporting widows within the Muslim community.
She noted that widowhood comes with emotional, social and economic challenges, making compassion, support and inclusion essential in helping widows navigate the difficult period.
Also speaking, the Coordinator of the Circle, Prof. Nafisat Adedokun- Shittu, emphasised the significance of dedicating a day to recognising the experiences and contributions of widows.
She stressed the need for the Ummah to move beyond sympathy by providing meaningful support that would enable widows to live with dignity and contribute positively to the society.
In his remarks, the Special Guest of Honour, Mr Ismail Dare Jimoh Olawuwo, spoke extensively on the theme of the celebration.
Mr Olawuwo, who is an Assistant Chief Registrar at the Kwara State Sharia Court of Appeal, and Chief Imam, Ummul Khayr Memorial Central Mosque and Islamic Centre, Tanke, Ilorin, explained that the death of a husband often has profound emotional, social and economic consequences for the family left behind, particularly the widow and the children.
He noted that beyond the pain of losing a loved one, a widow may be confronted with increased responsibilities, financial difficulties and other challenges arising from the sudden change in family circumstances.
Mr Olawuwo emphasised that Islam provides guidance on how the family and the wider Muslim community should respond to the death of a husband and support those left behind.
According to him, the teachings of Islam places a responsibility on members of the Ummah to show compassion, provide assistance and protect the dignity of widows rather than allowing them to face their challenges alone.
The cleric further urged Muslims to see the welfare of widows as a collective responsibility and to ensure that assistance offered to them goes beyond occasional donations. He advocated sustained support, care and empowerment, noting that widows should be treated with honour, respect and dignity while being given opportunities to remain self-reliant and productive.
Also speaking, the Chief Imam of the University of Ilorin Central Mosque, Prof. Nasir AbdusSalam, encouraged members of the Muslim community to always support widows.
He explained that supporting widows is not merely an act of charity but also an important social and religious responsibility.
He appreciated the Muslim Ladies Circle’s call for continued awareness and practical interventions to ensure that widows and their children receive the care, protection and opportunities they deserve within the Ummah.
The event also featured a panel discussion, titled “Widowhood Unspoken: The Good, the Bad and the Ugly – Stories of Survival, Strength and Hope,” which provided a platform for open and honest conversations about the realities of widowhood by resource persons who have the experience.
Panelists shared experiences and perspectives aimed at bringing attention to challenges that are often overlooked or left unspoken in society.
The discussion further emphasised the importance of creating supportive communities where widows can speak freely about their experiences without stigma, discrimination or unnecessary judgement.
The panelists advocated stronger family and community support, economic empowerment, emotional care and access to opportunities that can help widows regain confidence and achieve self-reliance.
Major highlights of the programme included the presentation of gifts and cash support to some widows.
Among those who attended the event were the wife of the Vice Chancellor, Mrs Muibat Egbewole, and a former Head of the Department of Arabic and Transnational Studies, Dr Hassanat Abubakar; among others.
