Is it permissible to seek divorce from a husband who engages in illicit sexual relationships online and neglects his wife and children financially and emotionally, knowing that the wife fears for her children from divorce and wonders about the difference between patience and humiliation in her situation?
A wife has the right to seek divorce if her husband engages in illicit relationships and does not repent, or if he fails to provide for her and spends his money on his illicit female companions, forcing her to spend on the household. The wife is advised to exert effort in gently advising her husband, reminding him of the danger of forbidden acts, encouraging him to repent, attend religious lessons, and associate with righteous people. She should also treat him kindly and fulfill his rights. If these efforts are unsuccessful, she should weigh the benefits and harms of divorce versus remaining with him, choosing the lesser of two evils. If she finds harm in staying and is unable to fulfill his rights, then divorce is preferable. However, if she finds a greater benefit in staying, then that is preferable, and her patience for the sake of Allah will not result in her reward being lost.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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