What is the allocation of shares in war spoils (Ghanimah) for a mounted soldier?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Deposits
Primary text
A mounted soldier (Faris) is entitled to three shares, unless the horse is a hybrid (Hajin), in which case the soldier receives two shares: one for himself and one for the horse. All scholars agree that four-fifths of the spoils belong to the victors (ghanimin). This is understood from the verse: {And know that whatever you take of anything, indeed, for Allah is one-fifth of it} (Quran 21:41), which implies the remaining four-fifths are theirs because the spoils are attributed to them, and then a share is set aside for others. Omar, may Allah be pleased with him, stated that the spoils belong to those who witnessed the battle.
Supporting text
The majority of scholars hold that a foot soldier receives one share, and a mounted soldier receives three shares. Abu Hanifa held that a mounted soldier receives two shares, though his associates later agreed with the rest of the scholars. It is established from Ibn Omar that the Prophet (peace be upon him) assigned three shares to a mounted soldier: one for himself and two for his horse, which is Muttafaqun 'Alayh (agreed upon by Bukhari and Muslim). Khalid al-Haththa stated it is established from the Prophet (peace be upon him) that he assigned two shares to the horse, one share to its rider, and one share to the foot soldier.