Is it permissible for a husband to keep his first wife – despite their separation and her desire for divorce – under his marital bond in order to protect their children from the custody laws in Western countries, and will the second wife be harmed by remaining with him in this situation?

A husband must treat his wife with kindness, and if she is disobedient, he may rectify her using permissible means. He is not allowed to leave her in suspense for the sake of keeping the children. As for the second wife, there is no sin upon her unless she requests a divorce or an unequal division. She should advise her husband to be just and to treat his wives with kindness.