Sahih Bukhari 5255 ((link)) »

The Hadith recounts the story of , a freed slave girl, and her husband, Mughith . After Barirah was manumitted (freed), Islamic law gave her the "Option of Choice" ( Khiyar al-Itq )—the right to either remain in her marriage or end it, as her status had changed while her husband remained enslaved at the time.

The Prophet immediately respected her request, stating she had sought refuge with the ultimate Protector. He then instructed his companion, Abu Usaid, to provide her with two linen dresses and return her safely to her family. Sunnah.com Analysis and Key Themes Absolute Consent in Marriage : This hadith is often cited by scholars on platforms like SeekersGuidance

Refers to the inner self, soul, or psyche. sahih bukhari 5255

In an era where discussions around women's rights and marital autonomy are at the forefront, Sahih Bukhari 5255 serves as a powerful rebuttal to the misconception that women in Islam are forced to remain in unhappy unions. It highlights a legal system that, even 1,400 years ago, provided specific mechanisms (like the Option of Choice) to protect the social mobility and personal happiness of women.

Seeing this, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said to his uncle, Abbas: "O Abbas! Are you not amazed by the love of Mughith for Barirah and the hatred of Barirah for Mughith?" The Hadith recounts the story of , a

Sahih Bukhari 5255 appears in . The specific chapter heading is: "Should a man tell his wife face to face that she is divorced". Imam al-Bukhari placed this hadith in the divorce section because the Prophet (peace be upon him) effectively separated from the woman without consummating the marriage—an act that scholarly commentary treats as equivalent to divorce. The hadith number is consistent across major editions.

on how this hadith influenced specific Islamic divorce laws? He then instructed his companion, Abu Usaid, to

Imam Bukhari’s placement of this hadith in the chapter titled is deeply instructive. The chapter heading itself— باب مَنْ طَلَّقَ وَهَلْ يُوَاجِهُ الرَّجُلُ امْرَأَتَهُ بِالطَّلاَقِ —indicates a central legal question: Is it permissible (or even required) for a husband to pronounce divorce directly to his wife’s face, or can it be communicated indirectly?

, the Prophet approached al-Jauniyya to formalise their marriage and asked her to "gift" herself to him. She responded by questioning if a "princess" could give herself to an "ordinary man" (or subject). When the Prophet reached out to comfort her, she said, "I seek refuge with Allah from you". Sunnah.com

The Prophet married lawfully, respected the woman’s dignity, honored her rejection, provided for her material needs, and returned her to her family without humiliation or anger. In doing so, he embodied the Qur’anic command to "live with them in kindness" and established a standard of marital ethics that remains unparalleled. For Muslim husbands facing marital difficulties, this hadith teaches patience and gentleness. For Muslim wives, it affirms their right to reject marital intimacy under circumstances of genuine aversion or incapacity. For all believers, it offers a profound lesson in turning to Allah as the ultimate refuge in times of fear and distress.

She replied, "Can a princess give herself in marriage to an ordinary man?" .