The period a wife should wait for her absent husband

Q 6: For how long should a woman endure not having intercourse with her husband?

A: The period of time a woman can endure not having intercourse with her husband is often estimated at four months. This is the same period which the Shari`ah (Islamic law) has prescribed for a person who pronounces Ila' (husband's oath not to have intercourse with his wife for four months or more). This is the period (Part No. 19; Page No. 339) which a woman can endure not having intercourse with her husband. Allah (Exalted be He) says: Those who take an oath not to have sexual relation with their wives must wait for four months, then if they return (change their idea in this period), verily, Allâh is Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.