What is the interpretation of Allah Almighty's saying: "And live with them in kindness"? And what are the cases in which it is permissible to strike a woman, and is the husband sinful if he strikes her over ordinary disagreements?

The interpretation of the Almighty’s saying: {And live with them honorably} means good words and deeds, and a pleasant appearance between the spouses. Living honorably includes fairness in lodging and expenses, kindness in speech and action, and that the husband should not hit her or speak ill to her, and that he should adorn himself for her just as she adorns herself for him.

Regarding striking, it is never permissible for a husband to beat his wife severely. The Lawgiver permitted striking in a rare case, which is the wife's insubordination (nushooz), after admonishing her and abandoning her in bed, and it must be a light, non-severe beating intended for discipline, not revenge, as stated in the Almighty's saying: {As for those [wives] from whom you fear defiance, admonish them, and abandon them in bed, and strike them.} The Prophet (peace be upon him) described it as non-severe and stated that refraining from it is better, saying: "The best among you will not strike [their wives]." So, whoever strikes his wife without a legitimate religious reason, or strikes her severely, has disobeyed his Lord.