Is the wife obliged to agree to a divorce from her husband who has changed from a religious person to someone who engages in illicit relationships, has neglected his wife and son, and has left the home, even though she still loves him and prays for his guidance? And is the husband considered an adulterer, and what is his punishment if he claims that his relationships are fleeting and not adultery, and that his current illness is an infection from his brother?

Accusations of adultery are not permissible without clear evidence. If the husband has engaged in an illicit relationship with a woman, he is sinful, and his excuse that the wife was remiss is unacceptable. If the husband repents with sincere repentance, then repentance erases what came before it. It is advisable to communicate with him and understand the reasons for his aversion and his desire for divorce, and to address any shortcomings in his rights. There is no objection to waiving some rights to avoid divorce. If that does not help and the husband insists on divorce, or if the wife believes that the harm of divorce is less, then perhaps Allah will compensate her with something better, for divorce is not evil in all circumstances. Allah Almighty said: (But if they separate, Allah will enrich each of them from His abundance).