Is it permissible for a wife to refuse intercourse with her husband who previously cheated on her, out of fear of diseases, while wishing to remain married to him for the sake of raising their children?
The husband's committing of a grave transgression permits the wife to seek divorce, which is the preferred option unless he repents. If she chooses to remain with him after his repentance and he desires his right to intimacy, she must grant him his right, unless she fears the transmission of a disease. In such a case, tests must be conducted or measures taken to prevent disease transmission. This is based on the saying of the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him: "If a man invites his wife to his bed and she refuses, and he spends the night angry with her, the angels curse her until morning," and his saying: "By Him in whose hand is my soul, there is no man who calls his wife to his bed and she refuses him, but that the One in heaven is displeased with her until he [the husband] is pleased with her." Intimacy with the wife is a right for him, as long as it does not distract her from her obligatory duties or harm her. Granting the husband his right helps him repent and diverts him from what is unlawful. If she is not at ease with it or fears illness, she should separate from him without defamation. If he agrees to waive his right and she agrees to live with him, there is no harm, and he should marry another woman.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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