How do I deal with my wife, whom you describe as "nagging" and irritable, who is not regular in her prayers, and who creates problems with me, my family, and the neighbors, and does not accept advice, taking into consideration the presence of three children? And is being patient with her for the sake of the children considered cowardice, or will one be rewarded for it?

The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, enjoined kindness towards women, saying: "Treat women kindly," and "The best of you is the best to his family, and I am the best to my family," and "O Allah, I declare inviolable the rights of the two weak ones: the orphan and the woman." Being good to one's wife, treating her kindly, and overlooking her shortcomings are required. For woman was created from a crooked rib, and the way to deal with her harm is to overlook it and advise her gently and softly. If she does not stop harming her husband, he may admonish her, then forsake her in bed, then strike her a non-injurious blow, as in Allah's saying: "As for those [wives] from whom you fear defiance, admonish them, forsake them in beds, and strike them. But if they obey you, seek no means against them." Defiance (nushuz) is disobedience to what is obligatory. As for divorce, it is the last resort after exhausting all solutions, especially if there are children, due to its negative effects on family breakdown.