Is it obligatory for a wife to seek divorce from her quick-tempered husband who utters [bad words], breaks things, and mistreats her and his daughter, or should she be patient in the hope of his reform?

This husband is abusive in his marital relations, yet Allah commands him to treat his wife kindly, saying: "And live with them honorably." And the Prophet, peace be upon him, enjoined good companionship with wives, saying: "The best of you are those who are best to their families." The wife has done well by being patient with him, and we advise her to pray for him. She has also done well by not rushing to divorce, as it is not the first solution. Allah the Almighty has encouraged reconciliation, as He said: "And if a woman fears from her husband high-handedness or estrangement, there is no blame upon them if they make terms of settlement between them, and settlement is best." However, if living together becomes unbearable and the situation becomes difficult, then seeking a divorce might be better for her. After separation, each spouse can find ease and well-being, as Allah the Almighty said: "But if they separate, Allah will enrich each of them from His abundance."