Cheating in marriage
Question
Salam I have been married to revert. She was Hindu. After nikkah we didn’t moved in together as there was threat to our lives as well as few other reasons it’s been 3 years of our marriage. She lives with her Hindu parents. She prays and fast. Hwe do meet occasionally. From last many months there are fight and argument between us. Sometimes I do doubt she may be looking any other guy as she is working as teacher. She denied such thing but sometimes I doubt but still I do trust her. She gets angry quickly and she expects me to do stuff for her I even do but sometimes I fail but when I expect her to do she doesn’t do anything for which I don’t fight with her. From last many days she is ignoring my messages and have blocked me on few apps. She says she don’t want this marriage for no reason and doesn’t want to stay. She shows alot of attitude and ego when I try to sort it out things no matter whose mistake it is.
My question is if she leave marriage or go with othrr guy will it count as zina for her? As I want this marriage so I will not give her divorce at any cost. I saw hadith wife prayer are not accepted if husband is upset so does her prayer accepted? Give advice so wife can know it.
Answer
Wa’alaykum as Salām wa raḥmatullāhi wa barakātuhu,
A successful marriage requires mutual respect, understanding, and a willingness to work through challenges together. However, you seem to be facing a difficult period. The initial step is crucial: cleanse your heart and combat negative thoughts fueled by assumptions. Doubts based on unproven suspicions are whispers from Shayṭān. Seek refuge in Allāh from these and focus on strengthening your trust in your wife. Accusing her of Zinā without evidence is a serious offense in Islam.
Before moving forward, some self-reflection is necessary. Reflect on your own shortcomings and consider whether you are fulfilling your wife’s rights. Rather than searching for ways to criticize your wife, reflect on the narrations that emphasize the rights of the wife.
The Ḥadīth regarding a wife’s prayers being rejected should also be understood in context. It emphasizes the importance of marital harmony, not the complete invalidity of her prayers. Focus on resolving conflict rather than attributing blame and scoring points against each other.
Open and respectful communication is paramount. Express your concerns calmly and try to understand her perspective. A neutral third party, perhaps a trusted Imam or counselor, could facilitate communication and mediate towards reconciliation.
If communication and reconciliation efforts fail, consider seeking official arbitration by a scholar well-versed in Islamic family law. Throughout this process, make Du‘ā and implore Allāh to restore the love and respect within your marriage. In shā Allāh, these steps will assist you in solving the challenges you are currently facing.
May Allāh guide you and strengthen your bond.
And Allah subhanahu wa ta’ala knows best.