Q: Is there a time frame for separation in marriage?

A: A Nikah shall only terminate if one of the factors or processes by which a marriage ends are found. Mere separation of the spouses, physical or other, does not terminate the marriage.

Regardless of the period of separation, and regardless of the fact that the husband and wife may not have met, spoken or seen each other for whatever period, the marriage remains intact as long as no divorce/Talaq has been effected. There is a general misconception that a lengthy separation terminates marriage. This is incorrect.

And Allah Knows Best
Darul Ihsan Fatwa Dept.