What is the legitimate ruling regarding a wife's refusal to have conjugal relations with her husband who mistreats her and levels false accusations against her, knowing that she is contemplating divorce and fears for her children and their social standing, in addition to the husband's neglect of prayer?

The relationship between spouses is not based on competition but on affection, love, and mercy, as described by the Holy Quran. This relationship should be built on kindness, mutual respect, and trust, alongside fulfilling rights and duties and refraining from harm, for reviling a Muslim and harming them is forbidden. Reviling one's wife and accusing her of adultery constitutes slander (qadhf) and is among the seven destructive sins (al-Mubiqat). It is not permissible for a wife to refuse her husband's bed due to his ill-treatment; she must fulfill his legitimate right. The wife should be patient, seek reward from Allah, and supplicate for her husband's righteousness, and not resort to divorce at this age. Children must honor their father, treat him kindly, and be patient with him, regardless of his treatment.