of upright character—may Allah, Glorified and Exalted be He, make that possible. Yet in most cases the problem arises from carelessness and indifference toward righteous suitors. A wicked man is never suitable, and no leniency should be shown in his regard, for he mistreats the woman, may divert her from her religion, and may negatively affect her children. Such a man is an evil companion and must not be accepted as a husband.

If he has apostatised from Islam by committing something that nullifies the faith, it is impermissible to marry him to a Muslim woman, in light of the Almighty’s words: “Do not marry your women to polytheistic men until they believe” (al-Baqarah 2:221), and His statement: “Do not return them to the disbelievers; they are no longer lawful for them, nor are the men lawful for them” (al-Mumtahanah 60:10).

If, however, he married her while still a Muslim and then afterwards apostatised—Allah’s refuge is sought—he must be separated from his Muslim wife, unless he repents while she is still in her waiting period; in that case she may return to him.

In sum, this weighty matter demands great attention. Care must be taken in choosing husbands for women, and no laxity is permissible, for many serious consequences depend on it.

With respect to the situation the questioner describes—her husband’s turning away from Allah’s religion, his forcing her to abandon the prayer and to commit sinful acts, and his shameless persistence in the forbidden—this is extremely grave. It is not permissible for her to remain under his authority. She must seek separation from him, for there is no good in him and no benefit in staying with him. She must part from him and distance herself, so that her religion, her honour, and the remainder of her life may be safeguarded.

Question: If she does separate from him, with whom will the children stay?