What is the ruling on a wife treating her husband harshly and unjustly, refusing to show affection, and resorting to hitting when he perceives her mistakes or when she rejects his demands that psychologically harm her, such as staying with his family who complain about her and tarnish her image, while the husband portrays her to people as mentally ill, knowing that all avenues for divorce have become difficult?

The fundamental principle is that the husband is to be accorded full reverence and respect. However, this does not permit him to assault his wife by striking her, verbally abusing her, or coercing her into something that harms her, such as living with his abusive family. If he does so, he is sinful and violates Allah’s command to treat wives with kindness (ma'ruf). It is permissible for the wife to respond to his injustice with a harsh tone if she believes it will deter him, but this is not advisable to avoid escalating problems and their negative impact on the family and children. Islamic law has provided avenues for the wife to repel injustice, including raising the matter to the judiciary to deter the husband, and the judge may discipline him. She is also permitted to seek divorce due to harm, such as unwarranted abandonment, beating, and verbal abuse.