Barirah mawla Aisha

Barirah mawla Aisha (بريرة مولى عائشة) was a 7th century Arab slave-girl who belonged to Utbah ibn Abu Lahab. She was forced to marry another slave whose name was Mughith, somebody she did not approve of. She had a child with him. Aisha took pity on her and bought her and set her free. When the young woman was free and in control of her own affairs, she divorced him. Mughith used to follow her, weeping, whilst she rejected him.

Sunan Abi Dawud quotes Ibn Abbas:

"“Mughith was a slave.” He said “Apostle of Allaah (ﷺ) make intercession for me to her (Barirah)”. The Apostle of Allaah (ﷺ) said “O Barirah fear Allaah. He is your husband and father of your child”. She said “Apostle of Allaah (ﷺ) do you command me for that? He said No, I am only interceding. Then tears were falling down on his (her husband’s) cheeks. The Apostle of Allaah (ﷺ) said to ‘Abbas “Are you not surprised with the love of Mughith for Barirah and her hatred for him.”"

Muslims note here that when she asked if it was a commandment, obligatory to follow, Muhammad said that he simply was merely trying to intercede and bring about reconciliation if possible; he was not trying to force anybody to do something they did not wish to. See also Talaq.