What is the ruling on a father leaving his family home to live alone due to disputes with his wife, despite him caring for his children? Is this an act of disobedience on his part, or a shortcoming on the part of his children? And how can he be advised to return?

It is permissible for the father to leave the home and live alone if he fulfills the rights of his wife and children by providing for them, maintaining their chastity, and spending sufficient nights with her. The children are not obligated to move and live with their father; for the young children, their mother has a greater right to custody, and for the older ones, they have the choice. It is obligatory upon the children to honor their parents, care for them, and serve them. Advising the father to return should be done with gentleness and politeness, and by striving to reconcile between him and the mother. Wise people can be asked to mediate, coupled with persistent supplication.