Is a wife considered disobedient (nashiz) and does she forfeit her rights if she refuses to travel to her husband? Is it permissible for the husband to withhold her suitcase of clothes to pressure them into negotiation, knowing that he needs to marry to maintain his chastity?
What the wife did is considered an act of defiance (nushooz) for which she incurs sin, and her financial support (nafaqa) is forfeited until she returns to her husband's home. She must fear Allah concerning her husband and know that obedience to parents does not extend to disobeying Allah, such as leaving the marital home and abandoning it without a legitimate religious reason, due to the husband's great right over her. However, if the wife left due to severe harm, such as beating or insults and humiliation, then her leaving is not considered nushooz. As for the suitcase of clothes, if it is her personal property, it must be handed over to her. The husband can demand his right through negotiation or by resorting to the court.
Summarized from the full answer at Ftawy · reviewed Sep 2, 2026
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