The Ruling on Providing for a Rebellious Wife

Question:
We conclude this episode, may Allah bless you, with this message sent by our brother Fahd from Riyadh. He says: My wife, O Shaykh, is asking me for a divorce, and I refuse. The matter has reached the point that, after I took her to her parents' home, she refuses to return to our home. Should I continue to provide for her while she is currently six months pregnant? And should I agree to the divorce?

Answer:
This requires consideration. If the divorce has a valid cause, then you must address the cause that led her to request the divorce; you address this cause and reconcile with her. However, if the divorce has no cause and you are fulfilling your obligations, then you should not agree to it, and she is sinful. The authentic hadith states: . As for her leaving your home and going to her parents without your consent or permission, and you have not been negligent, then she is a rebellious wife (nashiz), and a rebellious wife is not entitled to maintenance. Yes.