Aberrant Behavior of Widows in Muslim Societies

Abstract

Marriage is considered an important aspect of a person's life, but various factors such as fading love, economic problems, infidelity, and the inability to sustain a relationship often lead to divorce. This study aims to analyze the forms of deviant behavior of widows and how the Muslim community responds to women with widow status. This research uses a qualitative method with a case study approach. Data sources were taken from three informants through in-depth interviews selected using purposive sampling technique. The results of the analysis show that in society divorced widows are underestimated and considered a shameful disgrace that degrades women's self-esteem and there are many negative stigmas from society. Deviant behaviors committed by women with widow status such as: i) snatching someone's husband, ii) disturbing other people's households, iii) cohabitation, iv) promiscuity, v) smoking, vi) free sex, vii) and going out at night. But not all widows behave deviantly, there is a widow who is a victim of her husband's infidelity but she is able to control herself so as not to deviate. The implications of this research can be used as initial data for subsequent researchers in studying this problem in different contexts and issues.