What is the ruling on one who alienates his wife to make her seek divorce by abandoning her, withholding financial support, or mistreating her?

It is forbidden for a husband to make life difficult for his wife, whether by word or deed, in order to pressure her into seeking divorce or redeeming herself through khulʿ without a legitimate reason. The noble verse forbids "hindering them (women) to take away part of what you had given them, unless they commit a clear immorality," and commands treating them with kindness.

Scholars, including Ibn Qudamah, have invalidated khulʿ in such a case. The husband must treat his wife with kindness and fulfill all her rights. He must also be patient with what he dislikes in her and strive for reconciliation, as stated in the noble hadith: "No believing man should hate a believing woman; if he dislikes one of her characteristics, he will be pleased with another."

If the spouses are unable to live together in kindness, then separation should be with benevolence, preserving the covenant and the companionship.