Is it permissible for a wife to refuse marital relations and claim that her husband is forbidden to her, and what is the ruling of Islamic law in this case, and what decision should be made to please Allah, taking into account the presence of children and European laws?
Residing in lands of disbelief can corrupt one's religion and morals. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "I am innocent of any Muslim who resides among polytheists," because the harms therein are many, and it could be a reason for the wife to dominate her husband. A wife's rebellion and refusal to share her husband's bed are grave sins and cause her to lose her right to maintenance and other rights because she is disobedient (nashiz). Disobedience is addressed through admonition, then abandonment in bed, then light striking. If these measures are not effective, then she must be divorced. A wife's statement to her husband, "You are forbidden to me," is not considered a prohibition, as a wife does not have the authority to prohibit or divorce her husband.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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