What is the ruling on the wife’s mother interfering by imposing unjust conditions on the husband, such as demanding an upfront payment and a deferred payment (mahr), a monthly salary for the wife, frequent travel to her family’s home, and separate housing, especially after the husband sent his pregnant wife to finalize some documents and pay money to her mother? And how should the husband deal with his wife who refuses to return to him and adopts her mother’s conditions?

Come to an understanding with your wife and explain to her the obligation of obeying you in what is good and permissible (ma'ruf), and that your obedience takes precedence over the obedience to her mother. Also, clarify that her siding with her mother in matters that corrupt the marital relationship is not from the Sharia. Regarding the conditions, you must pay the dowry in advance if you have not already done so, treat her well, provide for her with what is good and reasonable (ma'ruf), and secure suitable independent housing for her. You are not obligated to give her a monthly salary or send her to her country every five months. If she returns, treat her with kindness and according to what is good and reasonable (ma'ruf). It is permissible to prevent her from visiting her mother if you fear that her mother will corrupt her. If she does not return, let some wise people intervene to reconcile between you.