What is Islam's ruling regarding a wife remaining with her husband who is heedless of religion and of right and wrong within it, and who refuses to raise their daughter with an Islamic upbringing, while the wife sees that her happiness is nonexistent and her future with him is bleak, and she fears her family's reaction if she separates from him?

The marriage contract that was made between you, if it was not with the presence and consent of your guardian (wali), then it is void (batil). Your continued presence with him in this state is forbidden (haram), and it is not permissible for you to allow him access to yourself, because he is not your husband. This is based on the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, who said: "There is no marriage except with a guardian," and his saying: "Any woman who marries herself without the permission of her guardian, her marriage is void, her marriage is void, her marriage is void."

To rectify the matter, ask him for a new marriage contract with a dowry, the presence of your guardian, and two witnesses. If this does not happen, then he is not your husband, and your continued presence with him is forbidden.

Be patient and seek reward from Allah, for indeed calamities expiate sins. The Prophet, peace and and blessings be upon him, said: "No fatigue, nor disease, nor sorrow, nor sadness, nor hurt, nor distress befalls a Muslim, even if it were a thorn that pricks him, but Allah expiates some of his sins because of it." Relief comes after patience.

And know that what afflicts a person of disliked things is due to his sins, as Allah Almighty said: "And whatever strikes you of disaster - it is because of what your hands have earned; and He pardons much." Regret is repentance, so increase your supplications in times when prayers are answered, and cooperate with him in obedience to Allah and in starting a new life.