What is the Sharia ruling regarding a wife who curses and insults her husband and his family in his absence, knowing that the husband is not remiss in fulfilling her rights? Does divorce thereby occur? What is her punishment in this world and the hereafter? Is it permissible to inform the husband of this?

It is obligatory for a wife to honor her husband’s rights. It is not permissible for a Muslim to be foul-mouthed or to engage in backbiting and slander, as Allah Almighty says: "And do not backbite each other," and as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "A slanderer will not enter Paradise," and "Indeed, Allah does not like obscenity or being obscene," and "Indeed, Allah detests the foul-mouthed and obscene."

The perpetrator of these prohibitions deserves the threat of punishment and torment if Allah does not forgive him. A woman is not considered divorced merely by being foul-mouthed or engaging in backbiting. Do not inform the husband of this to avoid dispute; rather, advise her and remind her of Allah and the ruling of Islamic law.

Her worldly punishment is discipline and chastisement by her husband, her guardian, or the ruler.