Does a man sin if he is absent from his family for several years?

Question:
A message from one of the listening brothers says: I am a man living abroad, and I have been away from my wife for nearly fourteen years. What is the ruling in Islam regarding my conduct? Am I sinful? Please guide me to the right path. May Allah reward you with good.

Answer:
If the wife is lenient with this and is satisfied with it, you are not sinful. Likewise, if you did not use her to commit sins against Allah, you are not sinful. However, if you used this period to commit sins against Allah, such as fornication and lewd acts, then you are sinful for what you did. The woman is free from blame if she is lenient.
If she was not satisfied, you must seek her forgiveness and repent to Allah for this long period. If she is satisfied, praise be to Allah, and may Allah reward her with good.
As for you, it is obligatory for you in the future to seek help from Allah, to strive to fulfill her rights, and to have your work in the place where your wife is, so that you combine both benefits. Either you move her to your work, or you move to her in her place and country, so that Allah brings you together in goodness, while remaining steadfast in obedience to Allah and His Messenger, and being cautious of the prohibitions of Allah.
If the country you are in has danger, move to the safe country, you and your wife. Do not move to a country with danger from engaging in what Allah has forbidden, or something greater than that, such as disbelief in Allah. Be cautious of moving to lands of disbelief, misguidance, and religious innovation. Strive to be in a safe country, far from danger, you and your wife. Yes.

The presenter: May Allah reward you with good, and may He do you good.