Is it permissible for a woman to be absent from her family for seven years or more because her husband does not approve of her traveling to visit them, and is she obligated to obey him in this, especially if his reasons for preventing her are flimsy and cause them harm?

Married life should be based on cooperation, understanding, and respect for the other's opinion. The husband should help his wife maintain ties with her family and visit them whenever possible, as this improves her companionship and fosters affection for him. There is no sin in the wife's absence from her family as long as communication is maintained through available means; travel is not obligatory. The wife should understand her husband's circumstances, especially in an immigrant country, avoid provoking his anger, and be patient with that, as it entails positive consequences.