What is the Sharia ruling on dealing with a 37-year-old brother who does not pray and denies it, and evades discussing the matter, knowing that he used to pray occasionally then stopped, and he is intelligent and distinguishes between lawful and unlawful, and refuses suspicious work claiming fear of Allah? Is he considered a Muslim, and will Allah guide him after this age? And what should his wife do, given that he is a liar and a deceiver and has secretly married another woman?

Prayer holds a great status in Islam. One who abandons it out of laziness is not considered an apostate by the majority of scholars. Consequently, a ruling of divorce is not issued for his wife, nor does she become forbidden to him. Rather, he should be advised to observe it on time, in congregation, at the mosque, and to desist from lying and harming his wife. One should seek the help of those who have influence over him and seize opportune moments for admonition, while increasing supplication for his guidance.