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 207 maid. She is “free to choose a husband at whatever time she pleaseth”, for the purchase of women is forbidden (Q and A 30).