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What is the Islamic legal ruling on marrying a man afflicted with schizophrenia, and is it obligatory to continue the marriage despite the wife's aversion to him, and will the wife be held accountable for her feelings towards him?

2 min readAlso available in العربية

This marriage is valid even if there was deception from the husband or his family, because that is outside the pillars and conditions of the contract. The proof for this is that if defects that impair enjoyment are concealed and discovered later, the other party is given the choice to remain married or to annul the marriage. This choice would only be available if the contract itself were valid. If the illness impairs or prevents enjoyment, you have the choice between annulment and continuation.

Ibn Al-Qayyim said: "Every defect that alienates the other spouse and prevents the purpose of marriage necessitates the option [to annul], and this is more appropriate than in a sale." Your option to choose is available if you were unaware of the defect and did not accept it when you became aware. If the defect does not affect [the marital relationship], then you do not have the right to seek annulment, but rather divorce if you fear harm.

There is no sin in your staying away from him in the room if you are entitled to the option [to annul]. In fact, if you willingly allowed him to be intimate with you, your option would be forfeited. However, if you are not entitled to the option, then it is not permissible, because the marriage contract is still in effect, and you must fulfill your marital rights, especially the right to intimacy. Your preventing him from it would be a sin. Feelings of hatred and dislike are not sinful as long as they are not accompanied by a forbidden action.

Regarding his defects and bad habits, strive to advise him. If he does not respond, you may seek a divorce if you are harmed. Your statement that divorce cannot occur before childbirth is incorrect; divorce is permissible during pregnancy before childbirth. This is the view of the four Imams, and they based it on the hadith of Ibn 'Umar. If he refuses divorce, you can seek khul' by returning the dowry or whatever you agree upon.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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