Is a husband's obedience absolute, even in permissible matters, such that he prevents his wife from doing what she loves, like studying or visiting her relatives, or forces her to do what she dislikes, knowing that this causes him no harm, and his action is merely for his own whim?

The wife's obedience to her husband in what is good is a great act of devotion. The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "If a woman prays her five (daily prayers), fasts her month (Ramadan), guards her chastity, and obeys her husband, it will be said to her: Enter Paradise from whichever of its gates you wish." This obedience is obligatory only regarding matters related to marriage and its accompaniments. The husband has no right to interfere in her private affairs, such as her food, drink, clothing, or how she disposes of her lawful wealth. It is not permissible for the wife to leave the house for study or work without her husband's permission, unless she stipulated this condition to him at the time of the marriage contract or before it, or if there is a necessity or need that permits her to go out. If the work or study does not entail her leaving the house and does not prevent her from her household duties, then the husband has no right to prevent her from them.