Is it obligatory for the wife to stay overnight at her in-laws’ house during Eids, given the presence of the husband’s brothers and their wives, in order to please the husband’s mother who requests this from her son? And how can the husband reconcile honoring his mother with his wife’s right to privacy?

The wife's obedience to her husband regarding visiting his family and staying overnight with them is not obligatory, but it is a matter of good companionship and noble character. We advise the wife to obey her husband in this regard, provided it does not lead to a Shariah prohibition or cause her harm. This is because it entails showing kindness to the husband and his family, and assisting him in honoring his parents and maintaining ties of kinship. We also advise the husband to demonstrate wisdom and gentleness, combining filial piety towards his parents with good treatment of his wife.