What is the optimal course of action toward a husband who hates his children and mistreats them with beatings and threats of burning or torture with electricity, despite being educated and observant of prayer, and with no financial problems, except for his dissatisfaction with their academic performance?

The fundamental principle is that a father is keen on his children's well-being and has the right to discipline them with a non-violent beating, within the limits of Islamic law. However, the actions of this husband are not approved by either Islamic law or reason. He is either excusable and not accountable, in which case he must be kept away from them, or he is devoid of mercy, in which case he must be advised and warned. If he does not desist, his matter should be referred to the authorities.