What is the ruling on my wife’s first marriage, and does she have an excuse for it due to her ignorance of religion? Is her daughter considered illegitimate, and what is the expiation for that? What is her sin in seeking a divorce? Am I sinful if I keep her as my wife? Does my supplication have an effect, knowing that I do not guide whom I love, but Allah guides whom He wills?

The ruling on the validity of a woman's marriage to someone described as an atheist depends on verifying his disbelief. If both spouses believe the marriage to be valid, then the daughter is his daughter. The wife must make a sincere repentance for her shortcomings, and the husband must be wise in his dealings with her, gradually compelling her to apply Islam. The wife is still under her husband's authority for him to reconcile with her during her 'iddah, and she is not permitted to refuse that, due to His Almighty's saying: "And their husbands have more right to take them back in that [period] if they want reconciliation." She is not permitted to seek a divorce without harm. There is no sin upon the husband whether he divorces her or keeps her, and it is preferable to keep her as long as coexistence is not impossible.