In the Name of Allāh, the Ever Merciful, the Bestower of Mercy
Question [adapted]:
What is the ruling on a husband intentionally cursing his wife? Does his wife become unlawful for him due to him cursing her? Or does that result in the judgement of divorce? And what is the atonement for that?
Answer:
A man cursing his wife is indeed something detestable and it is not allowed. It is a major sin, according to the hadith authentically reported from the Messenger (صلى الله عليه وسلم) in which he said:
Verily, those who indulge themselves within the habit of cursing shall neither be martyrs nor shall they receive intercession on the Day of Resurrection. Ṣaḥīḥ Muslim 2595
As such, it is incumbent upon him to turn to Allāh in repentance for this, and ask for forgiveness from his wife for the curse which he invoked upon her. Whomsoever turns to Allāh in sincere repentance, Allāh will turn to that individual with Forgiveness.
His wife remains under his guardianship and she is not forbidden to him due to him cursing her. However, it is incumbent upon him to live together with her in kindness and to guard his tongue against every word which angers Allāh, the Most Glorified. It is also incumbent upon his wife to be in good terms with her husband and to guard her tongue against that which angers Allāh, the Almighty, the All-Powerful and against that which angers her husband, except in truth. Allāh, the Most Glorified says:
And live with them [your spouses] honourably. Sūrat An-Nisā, 4:19.
And He, the Almighty, the Exalted says:
… but men have a degree (of responsibility) over them. Sūrat ’al-Baqarah, 2:228.
And through adherence to the legislation of Allāh is success.
Reference: Fatwas of al-Lajna ad-Dāʾima lil-Buḥūṯ al-ʿIlmiyya wal-Iftā.
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