What is the ruling regarding using an auxiliary horse during a race (Jannab)?
General Chapter
Al-Mughni
Book of Racing and Archery
Primary text
It is prohibited for a competitor to involve an auxiliary horse (Jannab) for his main racing horse. Jannab refers to placing a rider on an unridden horse alongside the main racing horse, urging it toward the enemy (or the finish line). This is based on the Prophet’s saying, 'There shall be no Jannab and no Jalab.' This prohibition is understood to mean that one competitor cannot use two horses to support his main entry.
Supporting text
Al-Qadi explained Jannab as switching to a fresh horse at the finish line because it would be less fatigued. Ibn Al-Mundhir rejects this view, arguing that the designated racing horse must be known from the start, and switching invalidates the spirit of the competition, as the speed of the horse throughout the entire race must be assessed.