What specifications are required when hiring an animal for riding based on description?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Leasing

Book 25 · Issue 14 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The renter must know the animal to be ridden because the purpose varies. Knowledge is achieved either by sight, which suffices unless a specific characteristic (like 'rahaul') needs verification through testing or description, or by description, which suffices if the characteristic is definable, similar to sales contracts. If hiring based on description for riding, the category (camels, horses, mules, or donkeys), the type (Bakhate or Arabi; for horses: Arabi or Bardhun; for donkeys: Misri or Shami), and any distinguishing variations within the type (like specific horse breeds) must be mentioned.

Supporting text

Al-Qadi and Al-Shafi'i require mentioning gender (male or female) because the purpose differs, as females are generally gentler and males stronger. A differing view suggests gender specification is unnecessary because the variation is minor.