What if the arrow strikes an existing hole in the target or a weak spot, pierces it, and remains fixed in the backing material?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Racing and Archery
Primary text
If the arrow strikes an existing hole in the target or a soft spot, pierces through, and remains fixed in the backing material attached to the target, the ruling depends on the backing material. If the backing material is firm, like the firmness of the target itself, it is counted for him because it is known it would have remained fixed had he hit a solid part of the target. If the backing material is loose earth, it is neither counted for nor against him, as it cannot be determined if it would have fixed had he hit a solid spot on the target.
Supporting text
If the arrow strikes an existing hole in the target, and a piece of the target remains attached to the backing, and the archer claims he caused the piece to detach due to the force of his shot (a 'khasiq'), while the other party claims the piece was already detached: if it is known the target was intact, the archer's claim is accepted. If there is a dispute, Al-Qadi stated that if the backing material is soft, it is disregarded. If the backing is firm, it is considered. If the arrow strikes an arrow already fixed in the target, it is counted for him. However, if 'khawasiq' was the condition, striking an already fixed arrow does not count for or against him, as certainty is lacking that his shot would have fixed it without the existing fixed arrow. If the arrow hits and sinks into the target, and then floats out and fixes, it is counted for him.