If a man is absent from his wife seeking a livelihood, is he sinful?

Question:
The listener: Ahmad Muhammad Jafoul, a Sudanese resident in the Kingdom, asks and says: If a man is absent from his wife seeking a livelihood, and he stays away for twenty months, is he sinful?

Answer:
We hope there is no blame on him if he is compelled to do so; because he is commanded to seek sustenance. So, if he cannot find it in his country and is compelled to travel, there is no blame on him. However, if he is able to come to her from time to time, such as every six months, or less than that, he should do so, unless she permits it and is pleased, saying that it does not burden her; in that case, there is nothing wrong with it. But it is better for him, even if she permits it, that he be careful to return to her in a short period, such as four months, five months, or six months. It is narrated from 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that he set a limit of six months for the soldiers.
So, the result is that his long absence may harm her and harm him. Therefore, it is better for the believer to strive to avoid long absences as much as he can. However, if he is compelled to it in seeking sustenance, or seeking knowledge, there is no blame on him -if Allah wills- yes.

The presenter : May Allah reward you with good.