What constitutes incitement or urging (Jalab) during a horse race?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Racing and Archery
Primary text
Jalab is forbidden during a race. It means a person runs behind his racing horse, urging it forward and shouting to encourage its speed. This interpretation is attributed to Malik and supported by Qatadah and Abu Ubayd. Evidence for this prohibition is found in the saying of the Prophet, peace be upon him, 'There shall be no Jalab and no Jannab,' reported by Abu Dawud, and in the narration from Ali regarding stipulations in Islam: 'No Jalab, no Jannab, and no Shighar in Islam.' Furthermore, a narration from Ibn Abbas states, 'Whoever incites (Ajlaba) horses on the day of wagering (Rihan), he is not of us.'
Supporting text
A less common interpretation attributed to Abu Ubayd suggests that Jalab means the person inciting the race gathers livestock owners to verify their presence, instructing them to then go to their watering holes for verification. This view is superseded by the primary interpretation.