Abstract:

This paper aims to gain a deeper understanding of the sociocultural context surrounding the lived experiences of widowhood among Malay Muslim women in Brunei. Beyond a widow’s grief, influences outside their control, such as culture, religion, and broader societal factors, also shape their experiences of widowhood. It is based on primary qualitative data gathered from semi-structured interviews with twelve widows who generously shared their insights. Drawing on their stories, the adversities they face are narrated and illustrate how ethnoreligious factors influence their experiences of widowhood. Findings suggest that Malay Muslim widows in Brunei embody redha in their hearts, minds, and bodily actions to navigate spousal loss and reconstruct their lives. Redha carries Islamic connotations, referring to submission and acceptance of Allah’s preordained destiny, despite its regrettable outcomes. While acceptance can come begrudgingly to widows, a sense of religious command gives them strength of resolve. Resilience follows the acceptance of loss, and redha facilitates their actions of enduring and moving through the changes and challenges of widowhood. Lastly, the paper shows how they move beyond resilience, thrive in remembrance and create a meaningful life in the present, reflecting the lasting influence of redha.