How Long Can Husband and Wife Be Apart in Islam?
Separation for disagreement is okay as long as it is short-term. However, disagreements between a husband and wife do not bring any good to their relationship. Sleeping in separate rooms helps minimize disagreements but can limit intimacy and taking care of one another. In addition, it is a major sin to neglect the basic rights of one’s spouse.
Observing seclusion from husband and wife
There are different types of observing seclusion from husband and wife in Islam. They are known as HadWathana (‘honest separation’) and HadWathana muHamWadu (seclusion from wife). HadWathana is also known as ‘akhbarana, or separation.
There are different rules for different types of seclusion. For instance, a woman must observe seclusion from her husband for at least four months or ten days, depending on the circumstances of her pregnancy. Also, a woman should avoid wearing clothing with ornaments or decorations while pregnant.
Observing Talaq-e-Raj’i
The Islamic religion is clear about its position on divorce. It has legislated various rules and ethical obligations related to marriage, including the types of separation permitted. The marriage contract and its enforcement must be respected. However, there are times when continuation of a marriage is not possible or detrimental. In these cases, a divorce is allowed under certain regulations.
In order to divorce a wife, a Muslim man must first seek arbitration by his own elders. This process is intended to resolve incompatibility. He can then seek a divorce verbally or in writing. In both cases, two witnesses must be present. However, a Muslim man must remember that he may only divorce his wife once. He should make sure that his wife is not currently on her menstrual cycle and that he hasn’t had sexual contact with her since her last menstrual cycle.
Besides observing Talaq-e-Raj-i, Islam also has a few laws pertaining to divorce. For instance, a man can divorce his wife after she has already conceived, but not after the husband has remarried her. However, this is not permitted in most cases, because it violates the sanctity of marriage.
Talaq-e-Raj’i
One of the main objectives of Islam is living together as a couple. The Qur’an describes married couples as “sakan”, or “houses where both spouses get sincere affection, mercy, and love.” Although this is the ultimate goal of marriage, Islam does not prohibit couples from living apart. A separation is only permissible if both spouses request it, and if the separation does not affect the objectives of the marriage.
A husband may live apart from his wife for up to six months if he has a valid reason for his absence. This can include work, education, or other obligations. The wife cannot be forced to live with him during this time, but she must remain financially solvent to support herself. If the husband refuses to return, the wife can file for divorce under Shari’ah.
‘Umar also outlined the rule for how long a husband and wife can be apart in Islam. If a husband is away from his wife for six months or longer, he must return to her. This rule does not apply to ‘Umar’, although it may apply if the husband is unable to return to his wife for some reason. If the husband is unable to return, the Islamic judge will send a letter requesting that he return and then annul the marriage if he fails to do so.