قال ابن المنذر: ثبت ذلك عن عمر.
Umar ibn al-Khattab (the second caliph of the mighty empire of muslims) wrote to the commanders of the Army troops concerning the men who were away from their wives, ordering them to send the expense (for the wives) or to divorce, and if they divorce then they should send the expense for what has passed (the passed period).
[Ref: Ibn Al-Mundhar said: It is proven from Umar . Shaf`ee (1722) and Bayhaqi in his Sunan (7/469) brought this via Muslim ibn Khalid from `Ubaydullah ibn `Umar from Nafi` from Ibn `Umar from `Umar ibn al-Khattab]
Lessons :
The very top ruler is concerned about the women folk of his nation such that he commands the army men, who are already striving and struggling the pangs of challenges on the battle field to not ignore their responsibilities (i.e their wives) and to send them an apt expense so as to protect the women folk from both begging/being dependent and/or commiting sins out of neccessity. Such was the far sightedness of our second caliph - one of the fore most companions of Muhammad peace and blessings be upon him
If in case some men chose to divorce, then `Umar (r.a) rightfully asked them to pay the absent period so the women leaves with something and is not merely slammed at without any maintenance.
This command, shows that if the leader is like this then what about the other Muslims under him ? Also shows how unique Islam is in its treatment of women. If you know of any christian ruler among the disciple/companion of Jesus (peace be upon him) or Moses (Peace be upon him) who treated women like this, leave a comment under this post.
