What is the ruling on rewarding a cavalryman who fights on foot versus an infantryman in the distribution of spoils (Radkh)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Jihad
Primary text
The reward (Radkh) given to a cavalryman fighting on foot does not equal the share of a mounted cavalryman, just as discretionary punishment (Ta'zir) does not reach the level of prescribed legal punishment (Hadd). The Imam has the discretion to favor capable fighters, strong men, and active women who provide aid, such as fetching water or treating the wounded, over others among those receiving discretionary rewards.
Supporting text
The reason for distinguishing shares in discretionary rewards (Radkh) while maintaining equality among those receiving fixed shares (Sahm) is that fixed shares are explicitly mandated and not subject to the Imam's discretion, like prescribed punishments or the blood money for a free person. Discretionary rewards, however, are not fixed and are left to the Imam's judgment, similar to Ta'zir or the valuation of a slave.