Number of times a wife can visit her family

Upholding family ties is obligatory, as Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):

“… fear Allah through Whom you demand your mutual (rights), and (and do not cut of the relations of) the wombs (kinship)…” [al-Nisa’ 4:1]

“And give to the kindred his due and to the poor…” [al-Isra’ 17:26]

Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said:

“Allah created His creation, and when He had finished, al-rahm (the tie of kinship) got up. He said, ‘What is it?’ Al-rahm said: “This is the position of one who is seeking refuge with You from being cut off.’ He said, ‘Will you not be pleased if I should take care of the one who takes care of you, and cut off the one who cuts you off?’ Al-rahm said, ‘Of course, O Lord.’ He said, ‘Then it will be so.’” Abu Hurayrah quoted (interpretation of the meaning): “Would you then, if you were given the authority, do mischief in the land, and sever your ties of kinship?” [Muhammad 47:22]. (Reported by al-Bukhaari, 6948)

Upholding the ties of kinship means being kind to one’s relatives, whether by giving them material things or treating them well. The least of this is greeting them with salaam and not forsaking them.

There is no limit in sharee’ah to the number of times a person should visit his or her relatives, because this will differ according to people’s circumstances, how busy they are, how close or how far away they live, and the circumstances, employment and other commitments of the husband who is to bring his wife to visit her family. Some wives live close to their own families, and others may live in another city or country, all of which are factors in the matter. But the husband should realize that it is not permissible for him to deliberately prevent his wife from visiting her family and upholding her ties of kinship with them. By the same token, the wife should not exhaust her husband with frequent trips and expenses that he cannot bear. She should make requests of him commensurate with his capabilities. We ask Allah to put all our affairs right. May Allah bless our Prophet Muhammad.