Is it valid to stipulate victory based on a specific number of strides?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Racing and Archery

Book 58 · Issue 4 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

It is invalid to stipulate victory based on a known number of paces, such as three or more or less. This method is not sound because it lacks proper control, and the riders cannot remain positioned at the finish line to accurately measure the distance covered by the strides.

Supporting text

Some disciples of Shafi'i permitted this, analogous to conditions set in archery contests, but this opinion is not sound.