What is the ruling on a wife refusing her husband, and what is the solution if she rejects polygyny and the husband fears for the fate of his children should he divorce her?
A wife must respond to her husband's call to bed, and she is not permitted to refuse without a legitimate Shar'i (Islamic legal) excuse; otherwise, she would be sinful and disobedient (nashiz). If she refuses, the husband is permitted to discipline her. A man is permitted to marry another wife if he is capable of being just, and the first wife's consent is not a condition. It is preferable to first address the issue with the wife. If she cannot be reformed and the husband fears temptation for himself, then he may marry another. If the wife requests a divorce, the husband is not obligated to divorce her, and he has the right to make things difficult for her until she offers a ransom to be released from him. If the husband chooses patience and not marrying another in order to preserve the family, then he should be keen on that which helps him maintain chastity, such as fasting and avoiding provocations.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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