All perfect praise be to Allah, The Lord of the Worlds. I testify that there is none worthy of worship except Allah, and that Muhammad is His slave and Messenger.
In Islam, the husband is ordained to have good marital relations with his wife and treat her well.
Allah Says (what means): {And live with them in kindness.} [Quran 4:19]
As-Saadi said about the interpretation of the above verse:
“The husband must be kind to his wife; he must keep good company with her, avoid harming her, be generous to her, and treat her well.” [End of quote]
The Prophet said: “Treat your wives with kindness.” [Al-Bukhaari and Muslim]
Hence, the behavior of your husband, which you have mentioned –if it is true –is incompatible with these teachings mentioned in the Quran and in the Hadeeth of the Prophet .
The most serious thing that you mentioned about him is the fact that he mistreats you in front of your children, as this may influence them and lead them to sever ties with you. It is strange that he urges them to be kind to his mother.
In any case, we recommend you to be patient with him and advise him in a good and gentle manner. You should also supplicate Allah to reform him and bring him back to consciousness.
If he becomes righteous, then this is what is required; otherwise, you have the right to ask for divorce if you are harmed by his ill-treatment.
If you are not harmed by his ill-treatment but you hate to stay with him, and you fear to be negligent about his right, then you also have the right to ask him for Khul’.
For more benefit on the reasons for seeking divorce or Khul’, please refer to Fataawa 131953 and 90676.
However, it should be noted that it is more appropriate not to ask for divorce or Khul’ as much as possible, because separation between the spouses may have many disadvantages, especially on the children.
With regard to the children, try to be firm with them while at the same time being compassionate and merciful with them.
Strive and make every trick in order to influence them and win their heart especially as they are still young. Teach them what a mother means, and her right upon the children that they must be kind and dutiful to her. You should clarify to them the seriousness of severing ties with you and disobeying you, so that they will grow up on the correct understanding and avoid growing up while severing ties with you.
Allah knows best.