What is the valid method for estimating work when hiring an animal for drawing water using a bucket (gharb)?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Leasing

Book 25 · Issue 3 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

When hiring an animal for drawing water with a garb, knowledge of the specific garb must be established due to variations in size. The work estimation must be by time, by the number of draw cycles (ghuroub), or by filling a pool or basin.

Supporting text

It is invalid to estimate the work based on irrigating a piece of land because the requirement for water varies depending on whether the land is parched or recently watered. It is debatable whether estimating the work by watering livestock is permissible, though it is likely allowed because their drinking needs are generally similar.