What is the ruling regarding a wife going to her family's home without her husband's permission, after life with him has become impossible due to his insistence on absolute obedience, and the situation has escalated to him assaulting her with insults and beatings, despite her previous attempts to remain in her home?

A wife leaving her home without her husband's permission merely due to disputes is not permissible. However, it is permissible if it is to avert severe harm, such as brutal beating. It is advisable to return, come to an understanding, and live together amicably. The husband must fear Allah and treat his wife well, knowing that a wife's obedience is conditional upon what is good and what does not harm her. Guardianship (qawamah) means looking after interests with mercy and kindness. If an understanding is not reached, an arbitrator from his family and an arbitrator from her family should intervene to reconcile them.