The dynamics of marital relationship after infidelity: Phenomenological descriptive analysis on Muslim spouses

An unstable marital relationship, including an Islamic spouse, opens up opportunities for extramarital affairs. This study aimed to understand the dynamics of relationship between a Muslim husband and wife who face wife’s infidelity. research uses qualitative methods with phenomenological approach. The subject criterion is has had affair still married. Three subjects were selected through purposive sampling technique. Data collection using semi-structured interview. results show that background infidelity multi-factor. Marital relations reflect interdependence wife. becomes more dynamic complex because presence third person. During affair, under actor’s control. transforms into controlling partner after affair. Wives initiate nonmutual manifested in permissive behavior towards husbands as effort atone guilt maintain marriage. theoretical implications religion supports effect social norms reading