Is it permissible for a husband to abandon his wife and treat her harshly, even if she has erred, and what does the statement "I have forbidden you to myself" mean in Islamic law?

A husband is not permitted to abandon his wife or mistreat her after she has apologized and fulfilled his rights, for Allah Almighty says: "Then if they obey you, do not seek a way against them." Furthermore, rejecting an apology is not characteristic of noble people.

Our advice to the woman is to be patient and strive to mend the relationship between them for the sake of the children, and to supplicate frequently.

As for the husband's statement, "I have forbidden you to myself," scholars have differed regarding its ruling, considering it either ẓihār, divorce, or an oath. The fatwa we adopt depends on his intention and purpose. It is preferable to present the matter to trustworthy scholars.