The wife’s request for divorce when the husband is unable to provide clothing

Question:
Honorable Shaykh, if a man is able to provide for his wife and children in terms of food, drink, and shelter, but not clothing, and this happens sometimes, does the woman have the right to request a divorce?

Answer:
Clothing is to be provided according to one’s circumstances. It is not obligatory to buy her high-quality or expensive clothing. He should buy her clothing that keeps her warm in winter and covers her 'awrah (part of the body that must be covered) in summer and winter. It does not have to be made of fine fabric. Rather, it should be according to the circumstances.
She does not need to request separation. If the situation reaches the point where he has nothing with which to provide clothing, or he cannot provide even the minimum clothing, then she may request separation. This is because this is part of the financial maintenance (nafaqah). If he is unable to provide the full maintenance, or unable to provide part of it, she may request separation, because this causes harm to her. Yes.