Apparently, this is not permissible, because in such a case the competitors themselves perform no action. It may, however, be said that it is permissible, since the actions of dogs and similar animals, when done at their owner’s command, are attributed to the owner himself. This is why hunting with them is permissible when their owner sends them forth.

A condition for racing the animals themselves is that no harm be inflicted upon them. If it entails harming them—as some people do by making roosters peck one another in competition—then it is forbidden. Some people—may Allah protect us—train their roosters to be strong in fighting one another. This is unlawful and impermissible. The same applies to rams butting one another and bulls wrestling one another. Thus, every competition that involves harming an animal is prohibited.

His statement: “and ships”: these are vessels that sail upon the water. Racing with them is valid, because people differ greatly in their skill with them. Here it should be said that warships must be likened to camels, because they fall under the category of implements and equipment of war.

His statement: “and short spears”: it says in al-Rawḍ (1) that this is a short spear, with which they compete in thrusting. The same applies to competition with swords, except that Imam Ahmad—may Allah have mercy on him—said: It should not be a sharp sword; rather, it should be a sword made of wood or something similar. This is what people today call a mock battle: that is, they engage one another using what is called edged weapons. But a person should not use a sharp dagger or a sharp sword, for he may strike with it