What is the ruling on a wife remaining with her husband who uttered what is considered disbelief – without his knowledge – then repented and refused to publicly renew the marriage contract? And is it permissible to renew the contract over the phone with witnesses present, without his knowledge?

Your husband is not to be deemed an unbeliever as long as he did not know that his words constituted disbelief. And if, hypothetically, he did fall into disbelief, then his prayer is considered a return to Islam, and there is no need to renew the marriage contract.

If your husband does not maintain his prayers, you must command him to do so and explain the great importance of prayer, for it is the key to all goodness. And the Almighty’s saying: "And establish prayer. Indeed, prayer prohibits immorality and wrongdoing, and the remembrance of Allah is greater. And Allah knows that which you do" (Al-Ankabut: 45) indicates that prayer strengthens faith and purifies the heart.