Reference: Fataawa Islaamiyyah – Volume 3, Page 218
Question: I have a wife who maintains all her obligations with respect to Allaah, such as salaah, fasting and so forth, and giving her husband his rights. However, she smokes in secret from her husband, and when I found out about this, I punished her and advised her against smoking. She did not take my advice and continued smoking. So what path should I adopt with respect to [dealing with] my wife?
- Is it permissible for me to be patient with her act, as I am of the understanding that the one who is happy [with the committing of a sinful act] is equal to the one who is committing the sin?
- Would I be sinful if she persisted in her act whilst remaining in my house?
- Is it permissible for me to divorce her so that I can be free of sin?
I anticipate from your excellency a detailed solution to my problem, and may Allaah reward you with the best of rewards and keep you in doing good for Islaam and the Muslims.
Response: That which is obligatory is to advise her and explain the harmful effects of smoking to her if she continues to smoke, and that she should exert herself in keeping away from smoking. And in doing so, you are rewarded for this and there is no sin upon you, because you are not pleased with her act [of smoking] and disapproved of it and advised her [against smoking]. So that which is obligatory is to continue in this, even if it means disciplining her such that she is discouraged from smoking.
And we ask Allaah to guide her.
