Woman going out of her husband's house without him trying to bring her back

Q 5: I am a 60-year-old woman, who has 9 children. Five years ago, my husband and I had some problems that ended in me leaving home. One of my children rented for me a separate house to live in. Now, I live in the house along with my children. My husband got married to another woman who gave birth to children for him. Neither did I ask him to divorce me nor did he try to take me back home. Am I sinful for living away from my husband's house without being divorced? Am I sinful if I go to perform `Umrah (lesser pilgrimage) without seeking his permission? What is the ruling?

A: If you are the one at fault, you will be a sinful and disobedient wife. In this case, you will have to repent and try to satisfy your husband. If he is the one at fault, you will not be sinful. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.