Some people leave their countries to seek a livelihood in other countries, and one may be away from his wife for a long period, three or four years. Is there a right that Allah the Exalted will ask him about his children?
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The questioner : Some people leave their countries to seek a livelihood in better countries, and these are the expatriates. One may be away from his wife for a long period, three or four years. Is there a right that Allah the Exalted will ask him about his children?
The Shaykh : If his absence from his children and family leads to their neglect, then he is undoubtedly responsible for that, based on the saying of Allah the Exalted:[At-Tahrim 66:6] and the saying of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): It is not valid for him to claim that he is doing this to seek a livelihood, because he is seeking a livelihood for his family, but he is neglecting them in terms of manners, morals, and guidance. However, if he is absent in this manner and there is someone among his family who fulfills the obligation of raising them, such as an uncle or a brother, and the wife does not demand her right to have him return to her, then there is no harm in it, as long as he is safe for his children and family.
The questioner : May Allah reward you with good.
The Shaykh : If his absence from his children and family leads to their neglect, then he is undoubtedly responsible for that, based on the saying of Allah the Exalted:
O you who have believed, protect yourselves and your families from a Fire whose fuel is people and stones
يَا أَيُّهَا الَّذِينَ آمَنُوا قُوا أَنفُسَكُمْ وَأَهْلِيكُمْ نَارًا وَقُودُهَا النَّاسُ وَالْحِجَارَةُA man is a shepherd over his family and is responsible for his flock.
الرجل راع في أهله ومسؤول عن رعيتهThe questioner : May Allah reward you with good.