Is it permissible to divorce and separate from a wife who bought necessities for herself, her family, and the children in installments without her husband's knowledge, then paid off some of it by borrowing from relatives, and then fabricated stories that impugn people's honor in order to pay off her debts?

The fundamental principle regarding divorce is permissibility, but it is disliked without a need. A husband is not considered unjust to his wife if he divorces her, but recourse to it should not be sought for the slightest reason. Some scholars have gone so far as to deem divorce unlawful if there is no need for it, citing the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "There should be neither harm nor reciprocating harm," and Ibn Taymiyyah's statement: "The default ruling for divorce is prohibition, and it is only permitted to the extent of need."

A wife is not required to inform her husband if she wishes to borrow money, but consultation between them is preferable. Both spouses should avoid borrowing money without need, due to the gravity of debt. The maintenance of the wife and children is obligatory upon the husband, and if he withholds it, it is permissible for the wife to take what suffices her and her child from his wealth in a reasonable manner.