Will a wife be rewarded for her patience with her husband who does not pray, or will she be sinful? Is she required to set a specific time limit for this? Does the ruling on this differ between a Muslim husband and a recent convert to Islam living in a non-Islamic environment?

The one who abandons prayer either abandons it out of denial of its obligation, which is apostasy according to the consensus of scholars, or he abandons it out of laziness. This is a matter of disagreement, with the majority holding that he does not commit apostasy, while the Hanbalis say that he does.

If he abandons it out of denial of its obligation, then it is not permissible for his wife to remain with him, because he has exited the fold of Islam. This is unless he is ignorant of its ruling, such as a new convert to Islam or someone raised in a remote area; in such cases, he should be taught. If he then affirms and prays, then fine. Otherwise, ignorance is no excuse after knowledge has been conveyed.

However, if he abandons it out of laziness, while affirming its obligation, then his wife does not commit apostasy and she may remain with him. She will be rewarded for advising him and explaining the importance of prayer to him.