he should not allow her to go wherever she wishes, and it is unlawful for her to leave without his permission unless there is a genuine necessity. Yet it is commendable for the husband to grant her permission to go out when she needs to tend a maḥram relative—such as her brother or paternal uncle—for that strengthens the bonds of kinship.

He may not forbid her from visiting her parents in their home, except when he fears that they will harm the marriage by turning her against him through their visits; if so, he may prevent them from coming to see her.

He is also entitled to stop her from hiring herself out or taking up employment, for he is responsible for her maintenance. Such work would deprive him of his rightful companionship, impede her care of their children, and expose her to moral danger—especially in this age, when modesty has waned, promoters of vice have multiplied, women mix with men in offices and workplaces, and unlawful seclusion can occur. The danger is severe, and avoiding it is a definite obligation.

Likewise, he may forbid her from having their child nursed by another woman unless necessity requires it.

A wife is not obliged to obey her parents if they ask her to separate from her husband, nor to obey them in visiting them when her husband objects. Obedience to the husband has priority.

Imām Aḥmad and others relate that the paternal aunt of Ḥuṣayn came to the Prophet ﷺ. He asked, “Do you have a husband?” She replied, “Yes.” He said, “Consider how you stand in relation to him, for he is your Paradise or your Hell.”