Is it permissible to seek divorce from a husband who is unemployed, negligent in his marital responsibilities, and does not satisfy his wife's sexual needs?
A woman has the right to seek divorce due to her husband's financial inability to provide maintenance, as mentioned by Ibn Qudamah.
However, it is better for her to be patient and seek reward by spending on her financially struggling husband and children. She should also advise her husband and address his shortcomings in earning a livelihood so that he fulfills his role in providing maintenance and guardianship, as Allah Almighty says: (Men are in charge of women by [right of] what Allah has given one over the other and what they spend [for maintenance] from their wealth).
As for the sexual aspect: a woman has the right to sexual gratification, and this is part of living together honorably. However, she is not permitted to refuse intimacy with him as long as she is under his marital bond.
She should seek a solution to the problem instead of immediately considering divorce.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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- 144538
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- Text
- Summary from Ftawy's records, reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
- Read the full ruling
- Read the full answer on Ftawy