Validity of an archery contest contract when the type of bow is not specified?

General Chapter

Al-Mughni

Book of Racing and Archery

Book 58 · Issue 1 · Bab 1

Open in Qurani

Primary text

If two parties contract for an archery contest (*nidal*) without specifying the bow type, the contract is valid. Both parties are considered equal regarding the bow, implying either the Arabic bow or the non-Arabic (Ajami) bow applies. The apparent view of Al-Qadi supports this validity.

Supporting text

Others maintain that the contract is invalid unless they specify the type of bow upon commencing the contest, as ambiguity might lead to dispute, and precaution via specification is possible and therefore obligatory.