What is the merit of the husband that makes him deserve all of these rights over his wife, to the extent that it supersedes whose rights?

The Sharia has magnified the right of the husband over his wife, as in the Almighty's saying: "And due to them [the wives] is similar to what is expected of them, according to what is reasonable. But the men have a degree over them [in responsibility and authority]," and His saying: "Men are in charge of women by [right of] what Allah has given some over others and by [right of] what they spend from their wealth." The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, clarified the magnitude of this right by saying: "If I were to order anyone to prostrate to other than Allah, I would have ordered the woman to prostrate to her husband."

The wisdom behind this guardianship (qawamah) is due to two reasons: 1. Allah's preference for men over women, due to their greater intellect, better management skills, and stronger endurance, which led to them being singled out for prophethood, imamate, and leadership, and an increased share in inheritance. 2. What the man spends from his wealth on his wife, such as dower (mahr) and maintenance (nafaqah), as he is responsible for providing for her.

In conclusion, the man was granted guardianship for these two reasons: one is a gift from Allah, and the other is through his own earning.