What is the recommended procedure for archery practice (munaadhalah) regarding targets?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Racing and Archery
Primary text
It is Sunnah that the two archers establish two targets (gharadhan) at which they shoot one after the other before proceeding to retrieve their arrows and shoot at the second. This practice aligns with the actions of the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). Evidence for the virtue of this distance is found in the Prophet's saying: 'That which is between the two targets is a garden from the gardens of Paradise.' Al-Taimi reported seeing Hudhayfah rushing between the two targets proclaiming, 'I am the one! I am the one!' while wearing a shirt. Ibn Umar reported similarly. The target (hadaf) itself is what the object of aim is set upon, either a piled mound of earth or a wall.
Supporting text
If they use a single target, it is permissible because the objective is achieved, and this is the custom of our current age.