It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Huraira (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "A slave (male or female) will be given clothing and food according to custom, and no work will be taken from him beyond his capacity."

Imam Malik (may Allah have mercy on him) was informed that Sayyiduna Umar bin Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) used to go to the villages around Madinah every Saturday. When he found any slave engaged in work beyond his capacity, he would reduce it.

Malik bin Abi Amir Asbahi heard from Sayyiduna Uthman bin Affan (may Allah be pleased with him), who used to say in his sermon: Do not force any slave girl who does not know any skill to earn, because if you force her to earn, she will resort to (wrong deeds) for earning, and do not force an underage slave to earn, because if he is forced, he will steal. And when Allah provides you with sustenance in a good way, then you should also excuse them from hard labor just as Allah has excused you, and make obligatory only that earning which is lawful.