Bahá’u’lláh states that a man may employ a maiden for
domestic service. This was not permissible under Shí’ih Muslim practice unless
the employer entered into a marriage contract with her. Bahá’u’lláh emphasizes
that the “service” referred to in this verse is solely “such as is performed by
any other class of servants, be they young or old, in exchange for wages” (Q
and A 30). An employer has no sexual rights over his maid. She is “free to
choose a husband at whatever time she pleaseth”, for the purchase of women is
forbidden (Q and A 30). - The Universal House of Justice (The 'Notes' section of
the Kitab-i-Aqdas)
