Is divorce considered a mistake when the marital relationship deteriorates and values diverge radically, and is a husband's desire for a righteous wife who helps him attain piety acceptable?

We congratulate the questioner on the blessing of repentance and guidance, and we pray for his steadfastness and the rectification of his wife's condition. He is advised to frequently supplicate for his wife's guidance, and to continue advising her with gentleness and leniency, and to proceed gradually in reformation. Divorce is permissible when needed, but one should not resort to it unless its benefit is preponderant, especially with the presence of children. If circumstances become difficult and cohabitation becomes impossible, then divorce is better, especially if the wife is negligent in the obligatory duties of religion, such as prayer and hijab (definition).