Is a wife obligated to obey a husband who is frequently absent, does not inquire about his wife and children, and does not care for their needs or the upbringing of the children? And is the wife entitled to seek a divorce due to harm?

It is preferred for a married couple to live together due to the many benefits therein. The husband should inquire about the well-being of his wife and children during his absence, and treat her with kindness in word and deed. This includes providing for her sustenance and clothing. If the husband fulfills his obligation of financial support, then obedience to him in what is good becomes obligatory. Not every shortcoming or poor treatment from the husband permits the wife to seek divorce due to harm. Rather, she has the right to do so if the husband harms her unjustly, such as by striking her, or abandoning her without a legitimate religious reason, or by insulting her. The assessment of harm is left to the Sharia judge. The obligation upon both spouses is to treat each other with kindness, and divorce is disliked in Islam and should only be resorted to when reconciliation becomes impossible.