How can one overcome the anger resulting from the harshness and coldness of a husband who threatens with alcohol and illicit relationships and describes his wife as long-tongued, especially with the presence of a child and difficulty controlling emotions?

If the husband does not pray at all, scholars have differed regarding his disbelief (kufr). Some have ruled that he is a disbeliever (kafir) with major disbelief that expels him from the fold of Islam, and on this view, it is not permissible to remain married to him. Others have not ruled him a disbeliever, but rather considered him a disobedient person who has committed a major sin, and they considered the disbelief mentioned in the description of one who abandons prayer to be minor disbelief.

Divorcing him is better according to both views, especially if he drinks alcohol or engages in illicit relationships. However, if he prays sometimes and abandons it sometimes, the correct view is that he is committing a major sin but is not a disbeliever. We advise against despairing of him and to supplicate abundantly for his guidance, and to continue advising him. Marital life is a solemn covenant, and both spouses must strive for reform.