Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah

Hazrat Nafi’ (may Allah have mercy on him) narrates that Hazrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) wrote orders to the commanders of the armies sent to various regions that those who are away from their wives should be instructed to return to their wives. Either they should return to them or send them maintenance. Whoever wishes to leave his wife should also send the maintenance that he has not sent until now.

Hazrat Umar bin Abdul Aziz, may Allah have mercy on him, wrote this letter to his governors: Whoever has been away from his wife for two years should either divorce her or send her maintenance.

Hazrat Ikrimah (may Allah have mercy on him) says that whoever has been away from his wife for two years should either divorce her or send her maintenance.

Hazrat Sha'bi (may Allah have mercy on him) says that when a man has been away from his wife for a long time, he should either provide maintenance to his wife or divorce her.

According to Hazrat Hakam (may Allah have mercy on him), maintenance is not obligatory upon a person who is away from his wife.

Hazrat Sha'bi (may Allah have mercy on him) says that if a person has been away from his wife for a long time, he should either send her maintenance or divorce her.