What is the ruling of Islamic law regarding a father's interaction with non-mahram women online through conversations that cross the boundaries of decorum, and his claim that he is divorced while he is married, and what should the daughter do concerning this behavior, given her fear for her family and her mother who knows nothing?

The father committed a grave sin by conversing with non-mahram (definition) women, and the mother is complicit in this sin through her silence and approval of this reprehensible act, especially with her mistaken understanding that this is a duty for cultural communication. The questioner erred by spying on her father, which is forbidden, and even more so when it concerns a parent. Regarding the father's false claim to the woman that he is divorced, the preponderant opinion is that this does not constitute an inward divorce, but only an outward one if the matter is brought before a judge. It is advisable to conceal the matter of divorce from the mother to preserve the family. The questioner must advise her parents about this reprehensible act, explaining its seriousness for their religion, their worldly life, and the family's reputation, while avoiding harming or insulting them to prevent filial disobedience. One must beware of despair and suicide, for it is a grave sin and characteristic of disbelievers, and despairing of Allah's mercy is forbidden by Islamic law.