The ruling on a man being away from his wife for a long period

Question:
A message was received by the program from listener Husayn Hasan Jad Allah from Sudan. Our brother has two questions. In his first question, he says: “I am twenty-eight years old, and I have been away from my wife for more than a year and a half. He asks: Is that permissible?”

Answer:
This requires a detailed explanation. If you are unable to return to her because you are imprisoned, or because you cannot afford the cost of the ticket or the fare for the car—meaning, if you are unable to do so—then there is no blame on you, because you are unable. [Al-Taghabun:16].
However, if you are away for personal needs, and you are able to return to her, take care of her situation, and oversee her affairs, and then return to your work every now and then, such as every two, three, or four months, this is what a believer should do. He should not prolong his travel away from his family, especially in this era, which is one of the most dangerous eras. The believer should be mindful of these matters, so he does not prolong his travel, nor neglect his needs, such as seeking knowledge, or seeking lawful earnings, because his country does not have what he needs; it does not have the opportunity to seek knowledge, nor the means to earn a living that sustains him.
It was reported from 'Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) that he set a limit for soldiers to be away from their families for six months, after which they would return and others would go in their place.
The conclusion is that this varies depending on circumstances and the individual himself. You should not prolong your absence. Strive to avoid a long absence. Even two, three, or four months is sufficient, because circumstances differ. Your wife may be in a place where her safety is not guaranteed. You should be mindful of her situation, and be careful to ensure her safety and protect her from any danger to her honor, and so on.
The conclusion is that you should be mindful of what clears your conscience and benefits your wife, whether in terms of her honor and religion, or her needs regarding her food, drink, clothing, and the like. You know yourself best and are most aware of your situation. So, strive for what benefits you and her and clears your conscience, whether in terms of the duration of your absence or the financial support you provide. And Allah is the One to be asked for help.

The presenter: And Allah is the One to be asked for help. May Allah reward you with good. As you have kindly mentioned, Your Eminence the Shaykh, in a situation of financial ease, is it not permissible for a man to be delayed for more than six months?

The Shaykh: This was the time set by 'Umar, and it is a timing that has its importance, and it is a good timing. However, in this time of six months, it is also long. In this time of six months, it is long, especially in most cities and most villages, where the danger is great. It is better that he does not prolong it even to six months. Two, three, or four months, as much as possible, so that he is close to her, is more preferable and better.

The presenter: May Allah bless you.