What is the Shar'i ruling on a wife who leaves her husband's home at his command after falsely accusing him and refusing to return to him, and what is the solution regarding the children given the prolonged court proceedings?

The wife's false and slanderous accusation against her husband of attempting to assault her with a knife is forbidden and a grave sin, as Allah Almighty says: "And those who harm believing men and believing women for [something] other than what they have earned have certainly borne slander and a clear sin." And the sin escalates if the harm is directed at the husband. Mediation is advised to resolve the problem. If the wife refuses, there is no sin in divorcing her. The husband may also refrain from divorcing her until she ransoms herself with money if the injustice originates solely from her. After divorce, the mother has a greater right to custody of young children (under 7 years of age) unless she remarries. As for those who exceed this age, the child's best interest is considered in their custody.