His wife disagrees with him in matters of religion, and there are many problems between them. Is he permitted to divorce her, and is he permitted to take back the money he gave her?

Question:
He says: I have been married for nine months, and my wife always annoys me and opposes me, even in matters of religion and in prayer. There are always problems between us. So what do you advise me regarding this matter? May Allah reward you with good. And if I intend to divorce her, do I have the right to take back what I gave her, such as gold and other things? May Allah reward you with good.

Answer:
The Shaykh: You must be patient, treat her well, and respond to her with the best manner. If you have made a mistake toward her that has caused her to turn away from you, you must correct the mistake and be kind to her, because some men demand their rights and forget their wife's rights; they hold their wives accountable for everything but do not hold themselves accountable. I believe that if a person were fair to himself, matters would be resolved and things would go right for many people. As for the issue of divorce, that is up to you. If you see that she is not suitable for you and that continuing the marriage is not possible because of her annoyance and her lack of compatibility with you, you may divorce her, praise be to Allah. Allah the Exalted said: If you have exhausted the means that preserve the marriage and preserve the bond of marriage, and they have not worked, then nothing remains but divorce, and perhaps there is good in it for you and for her. As for the issue of taking from her money, if the lack of desire is from your side, then you have no right over her; rather, you divorce her and do not take anything from her. This is if you are the one who does not desire her to remain with you. However, if she is the one who does not desire it and the separation comes from her side, then you have the right to demand the ransom payment, which is called khul' (divorce at the wife's request for compensation). If you limit yourself to taking back what you gave her, that is better, and you may increase it. Allah the Exalted said: from . Yes.