How can one reconcile the fatwas that permit a wife to visit her family even if her husband has not given permission, with those that permit a husband to prevent his wife from visiting her maharim or relatives?

This issue is subject to scholarly interpretation (ijtihad) and has no definitive textual proof. Scholars have differed: some have absolutely prohibited the wife from leaving the house except with her husband's permission, while others have permitted her to visit her parents even without her husband's permission if his prohibition is out of stubbornness.

The most preponderant view is that the husband is not permitted to prevent his wife from visiting her parents and relatives in a reasonable manner, unless he fears corruption in her religion or morals, or that they might incite her against him.