Mu`awiyah bin Haidah RA reported: I asked Messenger of Allah (Peace Be Upon Him): "What right can any wife demand of her husband?'' He replied, "You should give her food when you eat, clothe her when you clothe yourself, not strike her on the face, and do not revile her or separate from her except in the house". [Abu Dawud].

Commentary: If it comes to temporarily severing relations with the spouse, it should be done within the house and the best course for it is that one suspends the practice of sleeping with the spouse. But in the case of special circumstances, one can separate by leaving the home.