What is the ruling on a wife remaining with her husband who does not pray out of negligence, and should she advise him to pray, and if he does not accept, should she seek divorce, and if he does not agree to it, should she seek a Khul’ (divorce at the instance of the wife) despite knowing that her financial situation does not allow for it?

Neglecting prayer is one of the gravest major sins. Some scholars have gone as far as to consider the one who abandons it an apostate, an act of disbelief that expels one from the fold of Islam. However, the majority view is that one who abandons it, without denying its obligation, does not become an infidel thereby.

According to the majority opinion, the marriage of a husband who neglects prayer out of laziness does not become invalidated. It is recommended for the wife to seek divorce or khul‘ (a type of divorce initiated by the wife), and some scholars even make it obligatory.

It is advisable to exert effort in counseling the husband, clarifying the danger of his negligence in prayer, seeking help from righteous people, encouraging him to associate with the righteous, and attend gatherings of knowledge and remembrance, all while making supplication for him.

If that does not prove effective, then she should seek a divorce, unless a great harm would result from the divorce, such as the children being neglected. In such a case, she should persevere and continue to advise him. Divorce may be a good thing, as Allah Almighty says: "But if they separate [by divorce], Allah will enrich each of them from His abundance" (An-Nisa: 130).