Is it obligatory for a husband to divorce his wife if she committed adultery or was assaulted and became pregnant and then miscarried, taking into consideration that she was observant of her religion, wore the niqab, and has children, and that she sought to inquire about the ruling on her situation and wishes to repent? And is it obligatory for him to investigate and ask her for details, or should he conceal her? And should he seek retribution from the perpetrator if he knows him? And is he sinful for her adultery, or is the resistance upon her? And is he to blame if she was lenient in that? And should he live with her after that, out of consideration for their children? And is this a punishment from Allah for her? And is it understood from the Prophet's saying to Aisha in the incident of the Slander: "If you have committed any sin, then seek Allah's forgiveness," that the Prophet would have forgiven her and left her if she had indeed committed adultery without witnesses?
A wife merely asking about the ruling concerning one who has committed adultery does not mean she is being accused of it, and the default is to assume the best of a Muslim.
If her adultery is proven and she repents, the husband is not obliged to divorce her; rather, it is better to keep her and conceal her sin.
The wife must resist the aggressor unless she fears death.
A woman who engages in illicit relationships is sinful, and repentance erases what came before it.
The occurrence of adultery may be a punishment from Allah.
If adultery reaches the ruler and is proven to him, the prescribed punishment must be carried out; otherwise, concealment is better.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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