Can a husband prevent his wife from performing Hajj al-Islam (the obligatory pilgrimage)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Hajj
Primary text
A husband is prohibited from preventing his wife from performing the obligatory Hajj (Hajj al-Islam). This ruling is held by Al-Nakha'i, Ishaq, Abu Thawr, and the Ahl al-Ra'y (School of Opinion), and it is the sounder of the two positions attributed to Al-Shafi'i. The evidence is that since the obligatory Hajj is a requirement (*fard*), the husband cannot prevent her from fulfilling it, analogous to the obligatory nature of fasting Ramadan and the five daily prayers.
Supporting text
It is recommended that the wife seek permission from her husband for the obligatory Hajj; this was explicitly stated by Ahmad. If he grants permission, well and good; otherwise, she may depart without his consent.