Prolonged Separation Between Husband and Wife

Answered by Shaykh Faraz A. Khan

Question: I currently live and work in the US but my wife and 1 year-old daughter are overseas. My wife is unable to come here due to the lengthy process of obtaining a visa. I am also unable to travel overseas at the moment but I’ve been visiting once a year for 3 months since we got married. I am in constant communication with my wife and I do provide for her and my daughter.

I am concerned that this lifestyle, is it haram?

Answer: Assalamu alaikum wa rahmatullah,

I pray this finds you in the best of health and states.

There is nothing unlawful with your lifestyle. You are doing your utmost to best deal with it, as matters are outside of your hand. Prolonged separation would be sinful if done willingly so as to harm the spouse, which is not the case in your situation.

Your marriage remains valid and sound, despite the prolonged periods of separation. I pray things are facilitated and that your family is able to join you in the near future.

Allah Most High states, “Perhaps you may hate something, yet it proves better for you.” (2:216)

And the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said, “How amazing is the believer’s affair! Allah decrees nothing for the servant except that it is good for him.” [Musnad Ahmed]

He (peace and blessings be upon him) also said, “Patience is a glowing illumination” [Muslim], and “Whoever forces himself to be patient will be granted patience by Allah. No one was given a better and more expansive gift than patience.” [Bukhari, Muslim]

And Allah knows best.
wassalam
Faraz

Checked & Approved by Faraz Rabbani