Is it permissible for a husband to prevent his wife from visiting her sick family due to the spread of coronavirus and financial inability, taking into account the wife's solutions to these problems and the presence of two children? Is it permissible for the wife to go despite the husband's refusal if she takes the matter with a sense of modesty after attempts to appease him? Is it permissible to involve a third party to mediate in this matter even if it displeases the husband? Is this considered discontent or an attempt to reclaim the right of the family?
A husband should permit his wife to visit her family unless he fears some harm, because this is part of good companionship and helps her maintain ties of kinship. If he forbids her, she must obey him because his right is more emphasized, and she is not permitted to leave without his permission, as indicated by the story of 'Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, concerning the slander (al-Ifk). This is also what the Permanent Committee for Scholarly Research and Ifta' has ruled. This becomes more confirmed if the reason for the prohibition is acceptable, such as the fear of contracting an illness or if the visit involves a difficult journey. The reference for the validity of the reason for the prohibition is the husband's opinion because he is the guardian of the family. The wife should not insist on the husband until he agrees out of embarrassment, nor should she involve a third party if that would displease the husband. Disputes should be resolved through calm understanding and patience, and the wife can communicate with her family through modern means of communication.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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