Is it considered a forbidden act to compel a wife to live in her Islamic country with the children and prevent her from returning to her husband who resides in a non-Islamic country, contenting oneself with him visiting them for 8 weeks annually? And must he permit her to remain with him in the land of disbelief? And is she obliged to accept this situation? And what are the proofs from the Qur'an and Sunnah regarding this matter?
Firstly: It is not permissible to be lenient about residing in non-Muslim lands due to the negative effects this has on a Muslim's faith and creed. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, warned against those who reside among polytheists. Residence is permissible under certain conditions that prevent harm to a Muslim's faith.
Secondly: A balance must be struck between the benefit of your family remaining near you and the harm of their remaining in non-Muslim lands, and what may afflict their faith and morals there. This should be done in consultation with the family, choosing what is pleasing to Allah. If it is deemed better to remove them from these lands, then the wife must obey you and carry out your command, based on evidence indicating the wife's obligation to obey her husband in matters that are not sinful.
Thirdly: A husband may travel for study, work, or similar purposes for a period not exceeding six months. If it exceeds that, he must seek his wife's permission, because this right belongs to the wife. As long as she permits it and she is safe, there is no sin upon him.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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