A man separated from his second wife for about sixteen years, so what is required of him? Knowing that he has not divorced her.
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The questioner : May I ask a question?
The Shaykh : Ask, how?
The questioner : A man is married to two women. The first is in her home country, and he left her and has not seen her for sixteen years. Is it permissible for him to divorce her, or must he not leave her in his care?
The Shaykh : First, we tell this husband that it is not permissible for him to be unjust in dividing his time between his wives. He must be fair between them, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said:Sunan Abi Dawud 2133Sahih (Al-Albani) If it is she who is defiant, meaning she is the one who says, "Go to my family, and I will not stay with you," then she has no right over her husband, and she is sinful. It is obligatory for her to return to her husband.
The Shaykh : Ask, how?
The questioner : A man is married to two women. The first is in her home country, and he left her and has not seen her for sixteen years. Is it permissible for him to divorce her, or must he not leave her in his care?
The Shaykh : First, we tell this husband that it is not permissible for him to be unjust in dividing his time between his wives. He must be fair between them, because the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: