What is the ruling on unilateral withdrawal when one party has clearly established superiority?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Racing and Archery

Book 58 · Issue 4 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If one party establishes clear superiority, such as being ahead in a race or scoring more points in archery, only the superior party (*al-fadil*) has the right to terminate the contract. The disadvantaged party (*al-mafḍūl*) may not terminate, because if termination were permitted for the disadvantaged party upon realizing their inferiority, the entire purpose of the competition—which is to ascertain superiority—would be defeated, leading them to withdraw immediately.

Supporting text

Scholars adhering to Al-Shafi'i's school, when classifying the contract as revocable, discussed two differing views regarding whether the disadvantaged party has a right to withdraw.