Is a man permitted to prevent his wife from studying, even if it is Islamic online study, under the pretext that she is falling short in her household duties?
If the wife stipulated at the time of the marriage contract that she would complete her studies, the husband is obliged to fulfill this condition, and it is forbidden for him to prevent her, due to the Prophet's (peace and blessings be upon him) saying: "The conditions most worthy that you fulfill are those by which you make intimacy lawful." If he prevents her, she has the option to either remain married or seek annulment. However, if her studies lead to something forbidden, such as mixing with the opposite sex (ikhtilat) or neglecting her duties, then he has the right to prevent her, because the condition in that case contradicts Islamic law. But if she did not stipulate studying at the time of the contract, then he has the right to prevent her so that she can devote herself to her home. The husband should enable his wife to pursue beneficial Islamic studies, and the wife should combine seeking Islamic knowledge with her household duties.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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