What is the maximum amount of *Nafal* the Imam is permitted to allocate?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Jihad
Primary text
The *Nafal* allocated by the Prophet, peace be upon him, did not exceed one-third. Therefore, the Imam should not exceed one-third. It is permissible for the Imam to give less than one-third or one-fourth, or even nothing at all, if he chooses, as long as he does not exceed one-third. This is the opinion of Ahmad, Makhul, Al-Awza'i, and the majority of scholars. The reason for giving more upon return (one-third) than upon initiation (one-fourth) is the increased hardship, as the main army is absent as support during the return, and the enemy is more alert.
Supporting text
Al-Shafi'i argues that there is no limit to *Nafal*, as it is left to the Imam's discretion (*Ijtihad*), citing instances where the Prophet, peace be upon him, gave one-third, one-fourth, and even half of one-sixth. However, this is countered by the argument that the maximum established by prophetic precedent is one-third.