Is a bequest (wasiyyah) for a bow valid?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Bequests
Primary text
The bequest of a bow is valid because it possesses a permissible benefit (*manfa'ah mubāḥah*). This validity applies whether the bow specified is an arrow bow (*qaws nashāb*), the Arabic bow (*nabaḷ*), a hunting bow (*qaws yumjarā*), a slingshot-like bow (*qaws zunbūr*), a felt-making bow (*jūkh*), a stuffing bow (*nudu*f), or a hazelnut bow (*bunduq*). If the deceased possessed only one type of these bows, that specific one is designated for the bequest. If all types were present, a contextual indicator in the wording or the legatee's state directs the bequest to a specific type, such as specifying the bow is used for stuffing or livelihood, thereby excluding the hazelnut or military bows.
Supporting text
If the legatee is habitually known for a specific use (like stuffing) and does not typically use other forms of archery, the bequest is directed toward the bow customary for their use, based on the presumed intent of the benefactor to provide what is normally beneficial. If no context exists, some scholars permit the legatee to choose one from all types, or the heirs to choose by lot, as the general term encompasses them all.