What should a married woman do who has come to despise conjugal relations with her husband and has asked him either to let her remain a mother to their children or to divorce her, and he does not agree to either?
Sexual intercourse is a right of the husband over his wife, and she must respond to him unless there is a legitimate excuse. Her mere dislike does not justify refusal. If the husband agrees to waive his right, there is no harm. Khul' (divorce initiated by the wife) is permissible if the wife dislikes her husband and fears she may neglect his rights. It should not be resorted to except after exhausting all attempts at reconciliation, especially with the presence of children. It is advised to be patient and to seek the reasons for the dislike and address them. If there is no alternative to divorce or khul' and the husband refuses, the matter can be escalated to the Islamic Center to persuade the husband.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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