Would the wife be considered sinful if she refused her husband due to his ill-treatment and neglect of her and their daughter, his irresponsibility, his lying, his inconsistency in prayer, and his sexual weakness, especially after repeated failed attempts at reform? And what is the way to reform the husband's condition, refine his character, and make him assume his responsibilities?
A wife must obey her husband if he calls her to bed, as long as he provides for her adequately. She is not permitted to refuse unless there is a legitimate شرعي excuse, such as illness or menstruation. The husband's shortcomings in some matters do not justify the wife's refusal to share the bed. One must be wary of Satan's whispers that the husband's failure to satisfy emotional needs permits her refusal, as this is a false claim. Rather, she is permitted to seek divorce or khul' (a wife-initiated divorce) if the husband does not enable her chastity (لا يُعفّها). The wife is advised to discuss matters with her husband and strive to rectify him and assist him in repentance and uprightness, especially concerning maintaining prayer. There is no objection to advising him to seek treatment for erectile dysfunction. If he responds and becomes upright and treats her kindly, that is good; otherwise, she may seek separation from him.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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