It is permissible for a person to travel to earn a living, to work, and to provide for his family, or to travel to seek knowledge. It is not wrong to be absent for more than four months or even more than six months. Umar ibn Al-Khattab, may Allah be pleased with him, used to instruct a man not to be absent for more than six months if it was possible for him to return to his family. This was from his ijtihad (independent reasoning) and from his concern for the chastity of individuals and the protection of society from dangers. If it is possible for the man to visit his family after six months, that is good. Otherwise, it is not obligatory if he is engaged in lawful work, such as seeking knowledge or earning a living and providing for his family. For it is an important work, and there is no harm in him being away.
However, if he fears harm for his family or fears that the situation might deteriorate between him and them, he should consider returning to them quickly at the appropriate time. He should not be absent long that might lead to separation between him and his family or cause harm to them, especially if he fears for them from moral corruption. He should consider this, either by relocating them with him or by making visits that are frequent and not too far apart, and he should agree with his employer on this arrangement.
Similarly, if he is seeking knowledge, he should strive to visit his family at appropriate times, such as during the summer break or at other times when he can visit, so that he can combine two benefits: the benefit of seeking knowledge and work, and the benefit of visiting his family and meeting their needs.
It is obligatory for a husband to fear Allah with regard to his wife and not to be absent from her for too long, which could pose a danger to her in terms of immorality and moral corruption. He should be mindful of her and care for her, and if it is possible for him to work in the same town where she is so that he can be with her and stay with her, that would be the best. If this is not possible, then he should visit her from time to time so that his absence is not prolonged to the extent that it leads to undesirable consequences.
The scholars have mentioned that this matter varies. Six months may be suitable for some women, while for others, a shorter period may be necessary. Therefore, a husband should take into account the situation of his wife, the town she is in, and the people around her. He should ensure her safety and security. If six months is too long and dangerous for her, he should not prolong his absence but instead stay in touch with her, visiting her more frequently, such as every month or two or even more frequently than that.
As much as possible, he should stay close to her, as this is obligatory, especially in times of danger such as these days, when there is much evil, little security in most places, and widespread immorality. If the woman is alone, the danger to her is great. If she is with her trustworthy family, the danger is less and the situation is safer. The husband must consider these matters, fear Allah, and if travel is necessary, he should place her in a safe place with her family or make sure that there is a trustworthy mahram or woman whom he trusts available to check on her, so that this may be closer to safety.
It is his duty to fear Allah regarding this matter and to ensure his wife's safety by taking precautions. This can be achieved either by bringing her with him, traveling to her more frequently, not prolonging his absence, or placing her in a secure place with her family or with trustworthy relatives so that the risk is minimized and she is safer. And Allah is the One sought for help.
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Source: The official website of Sheikh Ibn Baz.
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