How can one deal with a wife who insists on certain acts of disobedience, such as smoking, not wearing the legal hijab, and shaking hands with non-mahrams, while desiring to have children and the husband fears the impact of these matters on the upbringing of the children and the stability of the family, especially in a non-Muslim country?
"It is not permissible to abandon procreation for fear of children becoming corrupt. You should continue advising your wife kindly and gently if she commits religious transgressions such as displaying her adornment (tabarruj), smoking, or shaking hands with non-mahram men. Striking is forbidden except within narrow limits and regulations, and refraining from it is better. Divorce is not obligatory due to these transgressions, and there is no sin in keeping your wife under your marital bond while striving to reform her. If she repents and becomes upright, then praise be to Allah. Otherwise, it is better to separate from her. Divorce becomes recommended when the wife neglects her obligatory duties towards Allah or if she is not chaste."
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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