Is it permissible for a man to be separated from his wife for more than two years, given that he is abroad seeking a livelihood, and what is the Shari'ah-prescribed period in your view within which the husband should return?

The questioner : Is it permissible for a man to be separated from his wife for more than two years, given that he is abroad seeking a livelihood? What is the Shari'ah-prescribed period in your view within which the husband should return? And what is obligatory upon him in this case? Please inform us, may Allah reward you.

The Shaykh : Praise be to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and I send prayers and peace upon our Prophet Muhammad, and upon his family and all his Companions. The answer is that it is obligatory for the husband to treat his wife with kindness, as Allah the Exalted has commanded in His saying: The right of mutual companionship is an obligatory right of the husband for his wife, and of the wife for her husband. Part of treating one's spouse with kindness is that a person does not stay away from his wife for a long period, because it is her right to enjoy the companionship of her husband just as he enjoys the companionship of his wife. However, if she is content with his absence, even for a long period, then the right is hers, and there is no blame on the husband for that, provided that he has left her in a safe place where she is not in fear. If a person stays away to seek a livelihood and his wife is content with that, there is no blame on him, even if he stays away for two years or more. But if she demands her right to his presence, the matter is referred to the Shari'ah courts, and whatever they decide in this regard is to be implemented. Yes.

The questioner : May Allah bless you.
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