Are the stories of the wives of Noah and Lot, peace be upon them, evidence of the obligation for a man to be patient with his bad wife? And what is the difference between keeping a wife of bad conduct and advising her, and divorcing her, knowing that the Prophet, may God’s prayers and peace be upon him, divorced some of his wives?

Noah's and Lot's wives will enter Hellfire because they were disbelievers at heart. Noah's wife was influenced by the call of her people and doubted her husband's prophecy. As for Lot's wife, she would inform her people about his guests so that they could commit indecency with them. It is permissible for a husband to divorce his wife for legitimate reasons such as bad religiosity, character, or lack of chastity. However, if she is righteous, he should keep her, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "No believing man should hate a believing woman; if he dislikes one of her characteristics, he will be pleased with another." A husband should strive to reform his wife and endure the bitterness of her remaining with him to prevent the children from scattering, unless her continued presence is harmful.