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The question

Is it Islamically permissible for a husband to abandon his wife in bed as a punishment for her shortcomings in household chores, and would the wife be sinful if she sought a separation due to this abandonment?

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Source: FtawySummarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 20261 min readAlso available in العربية
The answer

Scholars have differed regarding the ruling on a wife's service in her husband's home. The preponderant opinion is that it is obligatory upon her according to custom. If she is someone who would normally be served, then the husband must provide her with a servant. A husband is permitted to abandon his wife when she is disobedient (nashiz), which refers to her failure to obey him in matters pertaining to marital obligations. Scholars have not mentioned that a wife's shortcomings in household service constitute disobedience that permits abandonment. If the abandonment is for reasons other than disobedience and the wife is harmed, she is permitted to seek divorce. It is recommended for spouses to engage in dialogue, understanding, and cooperation, following the example of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, who used to assist his family with household chores.

Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026

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