Does the wife have the legitimate right to prevent her husband from going to his friends in his free time, and is his going considered a waste of his family's right?

The duties incumbent upon a Muslim are numerous and varied, encompassing the rights of Allah, the rights of family and relatives, the rights of Muslims in general, and the rights of the self. A Muslim must balance these rights and give everyone their due, as Salman said to Abu Darda, may Allah be pleased with both of them, and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, affirmed it.

The right of the family is relative, and what is meant by it is caring for their education, upbringing, and companionship. After achieving that, the husband has the right to go wherever he wishes, provided he does not commit a sin. The wife must know her husband's rights, and the husband must know his family's rights, and that the best of people are those who are best to their families. Marital life is built upon mutual respect, kindness, affection, and mercy.