What is the ruling on a wife hating her husband, not accepting his words, companionship, or intimacy, and her seeking a divorce due to his refusal, while he insists on not divorcing her, especially since this hatred is a result of accumulated actions committed by the husband, reaching the point of betrayal?

The foundation of the marital relationship is affection and understanding. Neither spouse should harbor hatred for the other. Rather, patience and overlooking mistakes are essential, for love is not a prerequisite for the stability of married life. If a wife hates her husband and is unable to fulfill his rights, she is permitted to seek divorce or khul' (divorce at the wife's instance, usually for a compensation) in exchange for money, as Allah Almighty says: {Then if you fear that they would not be able to keep the limits ordained by Allah, then there is no sin on either of them if she gives something for her freedom.} However, seeking divorce without a legitimate Islamic reason is not permissible. If the wife is harmed and the husband refuses to grant a divorce or khul', she may refer the matter to a judge.