Moreover, I was informed—accountability resting with the transmitter—that a certain mufti was asked about employing such women. He replied that it was permissible, arguing that they are comparable to female captives and slave-girls lawfully owned through the right hand. What I fear most is that this same mufti may next declare intercourse with them permissible on the same analogy—especially since there are those who have even dropped the legal penalty for a man who commits fornication with his maidservant, Muslim though she may be, on the pretext that he merely hired her! Such a view was voiced by some of the early rationalists. Allah’s help is sought; there is no power and no strength except through Allah.

This is what I wished to clarify for people on this issue, hoping that Allah will benefit thereby anyone who is heedless of it and profit anyone who has been reluctant to act upon it. He, exalted is He, is the granter of success and the guide to the straightest path.