What should I do about my husband abandoning me for three years despite my attempts to appease him, and should I seek a divorce or continue in the hope that things will change?

It is forbidden for a woman to seek divorce from her husband without a legitimate reason, as the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "Any woman who asks her husband for a divorce without any strong reason, the scent of Paradise will be forbidden to her." And "strong reason" (al-ba's) is the hardship that compels a woman to seek separation.

However, she is permitted to seek a divorce if there is harm or hardship inflicted upon her by the continuation of the marriage, such as the husband's absence for three years. It is preferable for the woman to be patient and try to reform her husband from his illness if its cause is magic, through legitimate ruqyah (definition) (exorcism). If the situation does not change, then divorce is better, for Allah the Almighty says: "But if they separate [by divorce], Allah will enrich each of them from His abundance. And Allah is ever Encompassing and Wise."