Is it permissible for a husband to prevent his wife from working or studying when she has free time and is capable of doing so?

Spouses must refer to the Shari'ah in all aspects of their lives. The default is for the woman to remain in her home, based on the Almighty's saying: "And abide in your houses and do not display yourselves as [was] the display of the former times of ignorance," and the Prophet's (peace be upon him) saying: "The woman is 'awrah (i.e., private and must be covered). If she goes out, Satan tempts her. She is never closer to Allah than when she is in the depths of her house." It is permissible for a woman to work or study under certain conditions, including: that the work be suitable for her nature, in an exclusively female environment with no mixing, adherence to the legal hijab, that it does not lead to travel without a mahram, that it does not involve committing anything forbidden, and that it does not neglect her duties towards her home, husband, and children. A woman can utilize her abilities in obedience to Allah, such as teaching or practicing a useful work from home, or pursuing distance learning. Obedience to the husband is obligatory in matters that are not disobedience, and if he orders her not to go out for work or study, she must obey his command. The husband should not exploit this right to harm his wife; rather, he should fear Allah and consult her.