What is the ruling on a wife seeking divorce from a husband who mistreats her family, treats her harshly, and neglects his home, knowing that she has performed Istikhara and does not feel at ease about returning to him?

1. The husband's behavior towards his wife's mother is bad and despicable, and it might be a result of a moment of anger.

2. The husband must spend on his wife and provide suitable housing. If he refrains from doing so, this constitutes a legitimate reason for seeking divorce. A woman is not permitted to seek divorce unless there is a legitimate excuse, based on the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "Any woman who asks her husband for a divorce without any compelling reason, the fragrance of Paradise will be forbidden to her."

3. If the husband becomes upright, spends on his wife, and provides her with suitable housing, she is obligated to return to him, and her parents have no right to prevent her from doing so. The husband should be given an opportunity for reform, and efforts should be made to involve wise people in reconciling between the spouses and the wife's family.

4. The husband should not prevent his wife from visiting her family; rather, he should help her uphold filial piety towards them. If he prevents her from visiting, she must obey him. However, he does not have the right to prevent her parents from visiting her or speaking with her.