Kitáb-i-Aqdas

Question: Should a man go on a journey without specifying a time for his return—without indicating, in other words, the expected period of his absence--and should no word be heard of him thereafter, and all trace of him be lost, what course should be followed by his wife?

Answer: Should he have omitted to fix a time for his return despite being aware of the stipulation of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas in this regard, his wife should wait for one full year, after which she shall be free either to adopt the course that is praiseworthy, or to choose for herself another husband. If, however, he be unaware of this stipulation, she should abide in patience until such time as God shall please to disclose to her his fate. By the course that is praiseworthy in this connection is meant the exercise of patience.