My Malaysian husband has passed away, and I am a foreigner with children here. Where should I begin?

Our condolences on your loss; begin with three matters: your pass status, your children's needs and your late husband's estate. Contact the Immigration Department as soon as possible about your pass status, because it may be linked to the marriage. Register the death and keep copies of the death certificate, marriage certificate and children's birth certificates. You and your children are heirs; ask the Syariah Court or the estate office about claiming your share. The zakat centre, JKM and a nearby mosque can help with urgent needs. Ask a trustworthy relative of your late husband to accompany you through these matters. You do not need to settle everything at once. Allah says: “And give glad tidings to those who are patient” (Surah al-Baqarah 2:155). See widow.