Is a wife entitled to despise her husband who physically and verbally abuses her, seizes her private money, and refuses to provide for her and their children? What is the way to deal with this situation, and can he be forgiven?

Spouses must cohabit with kindness and fulfill their religious obligations. The husband is obligated to provide for his wife, and the wife is not obligated to spend, even if she is wealthy. What a woman earns from her work is her exclusive right unless the husband stipulates taking a portion of it in exchange for his permission for her to work.

If the husband forces his wife to spend or takes from her money without her consent, and beats and insults her for her refusal, then this is injustice and abuse. The wife should discuss the matter gently with him. If he does not desist, she may be patient or take her case to court to seek redress or divorce.

Divorce is not easy and should only be resorted to when all means of reconciliation have failed. Living together kindly, with overlook and compromise, is preferable, especially when there are children. A woman helping her husband with her money is a noble deed and a sign of perfect good companionship. The foundation of the spousal relationship is affection, mercy, and consideration for each other's circumstances.