Riyad Us-Saliheen (Gardens of the Righteous)

Chapter 176
Desirability of returning Home by Day

985. Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) said, "When one of you stays away (from his family) for a long period of time, let him not surprise his family by night.''

  In another narration, Jabir (May Allah be pleased with him) said: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) prohibited us from coming back to our family at night.
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

986. Anas (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (PBUH) would not come (back) to his family by night. He used to come in the morning or in the evening (before dark).
[Al-Bukhari and Muslim].

Commentary:  When someone returns from a journey at night, he should better avoid joining his family. But this undesirable act in the sight of the Shari`ah is operative only in the case he arrives home without informing his family. By family, here is meant wife. However, there is nothing wrong with coming home with prior notification. Yet, if such a contact is not feasible, one's arrival at home at night will be considered as undesirable. But one can do so if necessity so demands.