What is the ruling on a wife refusing her husband intimacy as a means of disciplining him, given that the husband is not persistent or demanding, and is this method considered permissible?
Disciplining a wife by her husband is a reprehensible matter that goes against sound human nature, as Allah Almighty says: "Men are in charge of women." The right of a husband over his wife is greater than the right of her parents, and obedience to him is more obligatory upon her. A wife may advise her husband kindly, and seek help from the righteous among his family and hers. She may also request arbitration and resort to the judiciary if he is abusive. However, she is not permitted to refuse to share his bed, no matter how much he wrongs her, as this is one of the grave sins that warrant a curse.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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