Is it permissible for a wife to work and leave the house without her husband's permission, knowing that the procedures for her divorce in absentia have begun and he resides abroad?

If the husband does not divorce his wife, she remains under his marital authority, and it is not permissible for her to leave his house except with his permission. However, if he does not spend on her, it is permissible for her to go out to earn a living without his permission. Al-Khatib Al-Shirbini said: "Disobedience (nushuz) occurs when she leaves her husband's house without his permission, not [when going] to the judge to seek her rights from him, nor to earn her livelihood if the husband is unable to provide for her." If she is divorced, she should not leave the house except for a need.