and has no excuse, he must be required to resume relations with her immediately and to live with her honorably; otherwise, divorce is decreed against him.

His words, “and without excuse,” mean that if there is an excuse, then he is not like one who has sworn abstinence. He remains so until his excuse ceases. Is it considered an excuse if she is defiant, or if he fears that she may become defiant and therefore forsakes her bed? Yes, for Allah, the Exalted, says:

“Women whose defiance you fear, admonish them, forsake them in their beds, and strike them.” [al-Nisa' 4:34]