What is the ruling on a wife's failure to observe prayer, her refusal to share the marital bed with illogical excuses, and her disregard for the husband's rights?
If a woman does not maintain her prayers, her husband should command her to do so and explain their importance to her. He may discipline her with non-violent discipline. If she insists on abandoning prayer, he should divorce her, and this may even be obligatory, as Ahmad feared that it might not be lawful for a man to remain with a woman who does not pray.
As for a wife's refusal to share the marital bed without a valid excuse, this is an act of nushuz (disobedience) that exposes her to the curse of the angels and permits the husband to discipline her.
The husband is advised to strive to reform his wife with wisdom and gentleness, reminding her of Allah and the Last Day, and helping her to repent and maintain the prayer, which forbids indecency and evil.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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