What should a man do who has been married for 25 years, has children, and his wife cannot stand him and has not desired intimacy for over a year, knowing that she has agreed to their divorce, but he hesitates out of fear for the future of their children?

A wife who refuses to sleep with her husband is disobedient and rebellious (nashiz), and her duty is to obey her husband, especially concerning marital intimacy. The husband should continue to advise her, seek help from wise family members, and pray frequently for her rectification. If he believes that preventing her from working will improve her condition, he should do so. If she does not respond, he should consider divorcing her and not torment himself with her, for the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "There are three whose supplications are not answered by Allah: a man who had a bad-mannered wife and did not divorce her." Her continued presence might be a source of corruption and harm. As for the children, we ask Allah to protect them, and care must be taken to ensure they are not affected by the parents' separation. If the husband chooses to be patient with her, he may do so, as divorcing her is not obligatory.