What is the ruling of Islamic law regarding a wife who exchanges messages with another man during her period of depression, conceals her travel to another city without her husband's knowledge, and shows signs indicating an illicit relationship?

A wife's communication with a foreign man is reprehensible and a step from the steps of Satan that leads to indecency, for Allah says: "O you who have believed, do not follow the footsteps of Satan. And whoever follows the footsteps of Satan - indeed, he enjoins indecency and wrongdoing."

If the wife is upright and of good conduct, then keep her and forget what has passed, and try for both of you to reside in one country, for it is a woman's duty to reside where her husband resides.

If she remains a source of doubt, then advise her and strive to rectify her. If her situation does not improve, then divorcing her is more appropriate, for Ibn Qudamah said: "Divorce is recommended when a woman neglects her obligatory duties towards Allah... or if he has a wife who is not chaste."