A wife’s travel with her husband to the lands of disbelief

Question:
This man says: Your Eminence, my father travels abroad frequently, and he usually goes to the lands of disbelief for his work. Is my mother required to travel with him? Please note that traveling abroad requires a passport containing the woman’s photograph. Is she required to have her photograph taken and travel with my father, or not?

Answer:
This involves a deficiency. If she were from the people of knowledge and insight, she would travel with him, seeking help from Allah; because someone like him would teach her, guide her, and direct her to good. But for the general people, no, they do not travel, and they do not all travel; because travel to the lands of the polytheists carries great danger. The Messenger (peace be upon him) said, may Allah bless him and grant him peace: He resides among the polytheists, so he does not travel, and he does not travel. And if he travels, she does not travel with him, lest she fall into misguidance and destruction. Rather, he should be advised not to travel and to remain in his country.