Hadith 247 Ibn `Abbas
reported in connection with the case of Barirah
and her husband: The Prophet
said to her,
"It is better for you to go back to your husband.'' She asked: "O Messenger of Allah, do you order me to do so.'' He replied,
"I only intercede'' She then said: "I have no need for him". [Al-Bukhari].
Commentary:
Barirah
was a slave-girl of `Aishah
Barirah was married to a slave named Mughith
. She was freed by `Aishah
Now, Islam has permitted a slave-girl that after being freed, she can break her matrimonial bond if she does not like to live with her husband. Mughith
was madly in love with her and he would all the time persuade her not to break their bond of marriage. When the Prophet
came to know the condition of Mughith, he interceded for him and asked Barirah to restore her matrimonial connection with her husband. Since this was an advice and recommendation, she did not think it suitable for herself and regretted that she could not accept it.
The Hadith evidently shows that Islam accepts legitimate rights of individuals and honours personal freedom, provided they do not exceed the limits of Shari`ah. This freedom cannot be forfeited by suppression or force.
For an explanation of this Hadith by Dr Muhammad Salah view the video included in Hadith No. 246