What is the validity of the fatwa which states that a wife's abandonment of the marital home, whether voluntarily or involuntarily, for a certain period of time, is considered a divorce and necessitates a new marriage contract and mahr?

A wife's desertion of her marital home does not constitute a divorce. However, if she does so willingly, she is disobedient to Allah Almighty for defying her husband's authority. Her desertion may lead to the forfeiture of the husband's right to conjugal intimacy. If the husband spends the night angry with her, the angels curse her until morning.

Therefore, she must repent to Allah Almighty and return to her husband's obedience; otherwise, she is sinful and rebellious (nashiz), having no right to financial support.