The answer is: No, it is not permissible; he must separate from her. For if he kept her while she was committing fornication—Allah forbid—he would become a dayyūth, a man devoid of protective jealousy over his womenfolk.

His statement, “or her recalcitrance”: this means a wife’s disobedience to her husband in matters in which she is obliged to obey him. Thus, if she becomes recalcitrant and he pressures her and makes things difficult for her so that she will ransom herself from him, there is no harm in this.

His statement, “or her abandonment of an obligation”: such as abandoning the prayer without this reaching the level of disbelief; or abandoning the fast, zakah, or any other obligation; or abandoning hijab, saying, “I will go out with my face uncovered.” He may pressure her if it is not possible to reform her. But if he desires to remain married to her and is able to reform her, there is no harm in her remaining with him.

His statement, “and she does so,” means: she ransoms herself.

His statement, “or if a minor seeks khulʿ”: the khulʿ is not valid, because she cannot make a voluntary disposition of her property. However, if her guardian arranges a khulʿ on her behalf using her property because she is harmed by this husband, that is permissible, since it is in her interest.

His statement, “or an insane woman”: if she were to seek khulʿ, the khulʿ would a fortiori be invalid, since it entails the payment of money, and an insane woman is not legally competent for that.

His statement, “or an incompetent woman”: this is one who cannot manage her property properly. If she seeks khulʿ from him and offers the khulʿ compensation from her property, it is invalid, because, as mentioned above, she cannot make a voluntary disposition of her property.

His statement, “or a bondwoman without her master’s permission”: if a bondwoman seeks khulʿ without the permission of