What are the restrictions when hiring a female slave or a free woman for service?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Leasing
Primary text
It is permissible for a man to hire a female slave (*amah*) or a free woman for service. However, the man must avert his gaze from looking at her. The ruling for the female slave differs from the free woman because their legal statuses differ before the contract; thus, they differ during the contract. The man must not be alone with her in a room, look at her while she is undressed, or look at her hair.
Supporting text
This distinction is made because the rules concerning looking at them during the service contract are treated as they were before the contract was established.