Is a wife, whose husband has been absent from her for ten years, and has ceased to provide for her and married in another country without her knowledge, still lawful for him?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The prolonged absence of a husband, no matter how long, does not constitute divorce or prohibition. However, a wife has the right that her husband should not be absent from her for more than six months without a valid excuse, and she is entitled to her maintenance from him. If the husband does not divorce her, the marital bond remains. The preferred approach is to maintain togetherness and a good marital relationship, even if it means her waiving some of her rights. If a good marital relationship becomes impossible, then there is no blame upon her for seeking a divorce.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
Read the full answer on Ftawyhttps://ftawy.com/en/questions/120522
Where this answer came from
- Source platform
- Ftawy
- Original fatwa ID
- 120522
- Added here
- . This is when the answer was added to El Fatwa, not the fatwa's date.
- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy