Source: Fatawa Aman Puri by Sheikh Ghulam Mustafa Zaheer Aman Puri
Question:
When a husband is unable to take care of his wife, is it obligatory to give a divorce?
Answer:
A husband who does not take care of his wife should take care of her, as it is his responsibility to consider the needs of his wife, and there is reward in it. However, if the husband cannot take care of his wife under any circumstances (for example, due to a long journey, imprisonment, or severe illness), then he should give her a divorce in the best manner.
❀ The command of Allah Almighty is:
﴿فَإِمْسَاكٌ بِمَعْرُوفٍ أَوْ تَسْرِيحٌ بِإِحْسَانٍ﴾
Reference: (Al-Baqarah: 229)
"Keep the wife in a good manner or release her with kindness."
