What is the ruling on the horse belonging to a master whose slave fought in battle?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Jihad
Primary text
If a slave fights using his master's horse, the horse receives its fixed share (Sahm), which belongs to the master. The slave receives only a discretionary reward (Radkh). If the slave fought alongside one or more horses belonging to the master, the horses receive their corresponding shares. Both the horse's share and the slave's Radkh belong entirely to the master, regardless of whether the master participated in the fighting or was absent.
Supporting text
Abu Hanifa and Al-Shafi'i argue that the horse should not receive a share because it was under the control of someone (the slave) who does not receive a share, similar to a horse belonging to someone who abstained from fighting (Mukhdzil). The proof that the horse is entitled to a share is that it was present at the battle and fought upon, thus earning the share, just as if the master himself had ridden it. The situation of the horse of an abstainer differs because the horse itself did not earn anything by its master's non-participation.