What is required when the work duration is specified by time (e.g., one month)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Leasing
Primary text
If the contract specifies a time period, such as stating, 'I hired you for one month to dig a well or river for me,' it is not necessary to define the exact amount or extent of digging expected. The laborer must work for that entire month, regardless of whether the digging accomplished is extensive or minimal. However, knowledge of the specific land where the digging will occur is necessary.
Supporting text
Some scholars hold that knowledge of the specific land is not necessary because the ultimate purpose of the work does not change based on the soil's condition. However, the first opinion is stronger because the difficulty of digging (due to hard or soft earth) directly impacts the work performed.