Treatment of Female Servants

“… And he who would take into his service a maid may do so with propriety...” ¹

"QUESTION: Concerning the verse: "he who would take into his service a maid may do so with propriety."
"ANSWER: This is solely for service such as is performed by any other class of servants, be they young or old, in exchange for wages; such a maiden is free to choose a husband at whatever time she pleaseth, for it is forbidden either that women should be purchased, or that a man should have more wives than two." ²

“he who would take into his service a maid may do so with propriety
Bahá’u’lláh states that a man may employ a maiden for domestic service. This was not permissible under Shi‘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&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&A 30).” ³