What is the specific scope of the hadith limiting compensation-based wagering to 'nassl' (arrow/spear tip), 'khaff' (camel foot), or 'haafir' (horse hoof)?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Racing and Archery

Book 58 · Issue 4 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

The restricted items are precisely the arrow/spear (nassl), the horse (haafir), and the camel (khaff). The narration "There is no wager (sabaq) except in an arrow, or a camel's foot, or a horse's hoof" negates the permissibility of compensation in anything other than these three. This specifically refers to arrows from bows and quivers, horses exclusively, and camels exclusively. These are necessary for Jihad and fighting, unlike other disputed items.

Supporting text

The Shafi'is hold that any item having a tip (nassl), such as darts (mazariq), spears, or swords, is included, as well as elephants, mules, and donkeys, because darts and spears have tips, and elephants, mules, and donkeys have feet or hooves. However, these other animals are not fit for maneuvering in battle or being mounted for fighting, nor are spears or swords used as projectiles.