What is the correct action to take with a wife who withholds her husband's conjugal rights, despite his love for her and his desire to preserve his family?
A wife's refusal to share the marital bed without a legitimate Sharia-compliant excuse is forbidden and considered a major sin. She is then deemed 'nashiz' (recalcitrant). The treatment for recalcitrance begins with admonition, then abstaining from sharing the bed, and if that does not work, then non-violent striking. If the recalcitrance persists, then arbitration by the families of both spouses takes place. Divorcing her is not mandatory and may not always be the most appropriate solution. Patience with her, for the sake of preserving the family and raising the children, is recommended, along with praying for her. However, if cohabitation becomes impossible and divorce is deemed to be in the best interest, then it is permissible.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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