Should a bequeathed bow be delivered strung (with a bowstring)?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Bequests

Book 31 · Issue 3 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The bequeathed bow must be delivered in a finished, constructed state (*ma'mūlah*) because it is only referred to as a 'bow' when it is constructed in this manner. The legatee does not acquire the bowstring because the term 'bow' typically applies to the wooden structure alone.

Supporting text

There is an alternative view stating that the bow must be given with its string because it cannot be utilized without it, thus making the string an integral part of the object bequeathed.