Is It Necessary For The Wife To Accompany Her Husband On His Business Travels?

Question:

Is it necessary for a wife to accompany her husband to conferences and business tours? Will it be sinful if the wife refuses?

Answer:

In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

As-salāmu ‘alaykum wa-rahmatullāhi wa-barakātuh.

Sister in Islam;

It is not a requirement in Shari’ah for a wife to accompany her husband in his travels. However, a successful and prosperous marriage is based on compromises. It is possible the husband feels lonely in his travels and misses his wife, hence he wishes for her to accompany him. There could be other personal feelings for wanting to be with his wife. Travels could be exciting as well as tiring.

If your sacrifices will contribute towards a better understanding and love, it is a worthwhile investment.Your husband may know you are not willing to come but you are doing it for him.

He will appreciate this and your travels with him will also be a form of Ibadah.

And Allah Ta’āla Knows Best

Mufti Ebrahim Desai.