Is it inferred from the story of the Prophet (peace be upon him) with the woman who said, "I seek refuge in Allah from you," whereupon he divorced her, that if a man's wife says to him, "I seek refuge in Allah from you," it is permissible for him to divorce and separate from her?

The story mentioned is that of the daughter of Al-Jawn, whom the Prophet (peace be upon him) married. When he entered upon her, she said, "I seek refuge in Allah from you," so he divorced her. This is an authentic story found in Al-Bukhari. The meaning of her statement, "I seek refuge in Allah from you," is "I resort to and hold fast to [Allah]." The Prophet (peace be upon him) divorced her because her statement indicated her dislike for him. Some scholars are of the opinion that it was one of the Prophet's (peace be upon him) unique characteristics that he would not marry someone who disliked his companionship, while others believe that his divorcing her was an act of generosity on his part. Regardless of the reason, it is permissible for a man to divorce his wife if she dislikes him and seeks refuge in Allah from him. He may also retain her and try to remove the cause of her dislike, which is the preferred option.