Mu' meneen Brothers and Sisters,

As Salaam Aleikum wa Rahmatullahi wa Barakatuh.  (May Allah's Peace, Mercy and Blessings be upon all of you)

One of our brothers/sisters has asked this question:

asak, My husband is working in the gulf and i am staying in India with my in-laws and son. I also am a professional working in a senior position in India. Please let me know the Islamic view about a husband and wife staying apart for professional reasons. Is it permissible for a wife and husband to stay apart from each other in this way for a few months. Please advise 

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Answer:

Husband and wife staying apart

In the name of Allah, We praise Him, seek His help and ask for His forgiveness. Whoever Allah guides none can misguide, and whoever He allows to fall astray, none can guide them aright. We bear witness that there is no one (no idol, no person, no grave, no prophet, no imam, no dai, nobody!) worthy of worship but Allah Alone, and we bear witness that Muhammad(saws) is His slave-servant and the seal of His Messengers.

There is absolutely no harm if circumstances dictate that the husband and wife have to live separately for a period of time; provided both are able to fear Allah Subhanah and lives within the boundaries of Islam in their marriage.

But if one or both feel that their separation would involve them in a trial in their marriage, and they would not be able to abide within the boundaries of Islam, then it would be best if one or both of them come to a comprise regarding their jobs and arrange a situation whereby they live in the same place.

Whatever written of Truth and benefit is only due to Allah’s Assistance and Guidance, and whatever of error is of me. Allah Alone Knows Best and He is the Only Source of Strength.

Your Brother in Islam,

Burhan