How can a man reconcile his desire to marry a second, religious woman who is a mother of two (and divorced), with the refusal of his first wife, whom he is keen to please, knowing that he views a second marriage as a way of preserving his chastity and hers, earning reward, alleviating his wife's burdens, and renewing affection, while the first wife considers it an insult and a neglect of her rights?

Marrying a second wife is not an injustice to the first wife, as long as the man treats her with kindness and is just between his wives. She has no right to object unless she stipulated in the marriage contract that he should not marry another. If there is a need for marriage, then justice and good companionship are required. If there is no need, then it is an act of kindness to the wife not to marry another, in honor of her, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, did with Khadijah, may Allah be pleased with her.