Is a woman considered sinful for seeking a divorce due to recurring marital problems that include insults and physical abuse, even if the husband claims adherence to the Sunnah and refuses divorce for the sake of the children, and is it permissible for her to abandon the marital bed until he divorces her?

A wife is permitted to request divorce or khul' if her husband verbally abuses her or beats her without just cause. This falls under the permissible reasons for seeking divorce, as ruled by Sheikh Ibn Baz. In fact, she may even seek a divorce from him through the judge, and the husband will be disciplined for his actions. However, a wife must obey her husband as long as she is under his marital bond and he has not withheld her maintenance, even if he mistreats her. It is advised not to despair of reconciliation, especially if the husband is a religious man. If reconciliation proves fruitless, then divorce is the last resort.