The Meaning of the Hadith: “Any Woman Who Asks for Divorce…”

Question:
What is the authenticity of the hadith which means that if a woman asks her husband for divorce and there is nothing affecting her in the home, then the fragrance of Paradise is forbidden to her? What is the man’s position regarding that woman? And what is your advice to women?

Answer:
The hadith states that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: The meaning is a warning against asking for divorce without a valid reason. However, if there is a reason, such as him being one who commits many sins and evil deeds; because he is an alcoholic, because he is negligent in praying in congregation or does not pray at all, or because he wrongs her and harms her by beating her without right, or something similar to that, then she is excused in asking for divorce. She is not required to remain with one who does not pray; because one who abandons prayer is a disbeliever. So she must refrain from him and ask him for divorce. If he refuses, she should take the matter to the court, for she is not required to remain with one who does not pray.
As for if he prays but has bad character; he wrongs her and harms her, or he drinks intoxicants, or he has some of the other apparent sins; then she has the right to ask for divorce and she has the right to ask for the annulment of the marriage with this open sinner who wronged her and harmed her, or who openly commits the sins that Allah has forbidden for him. Yes.

The presenter: May Allah reward you with good.