the rows of bricks is very important. This is why skilled builders use a string as a guide, so that the bricks do not become uneven by projecting forward or falling back.
In any case, whoever learns of the reward during the course of the work is given the proportion due for completing it. But is this calculated by the portions completed or by value? By value. For if we were to calculate it by portions, then in the example we mentioned he would be entitled to four hundred, whereas this is not the case.
“Either party may rescind it. If it is rescinded by the worker, he is entitled to nothing; but if it is rescinded by the offeror after the work has begun, the worker is entitled to payment for his work.” ...
His statement, “Either party,” means each of the offeror and the worker.
His statement, “may rescind it,” means the reward contract, because a reward contract is not binding. Thus, if a man says, “Whoever returns my camel will receive one hundred riyals,” then, after two days, retracts it and says, “O people, I have rescinded the reward contract,” he has the right to do so. Whoever continues to work after learning that it has been rescinded has no entitlement, because the reward contract is revocable.
Every contract that is revocable by both parties may be rescinded by either of them, unless the intention is to harm the other party. This is because all otherwise permissible contracts and actions become prohibited when they entail harm to others. Thus, if it entails harm to the other party, rescission is not permissible. If the offeror rescinds it in order to cause harm, the worker is entitled to payment for the work he has done.
But should this payment be based on the customary wage, or on the reward that was stipulated for him? This requires consideration.
An example is where a person engages someone to market this merchandise, then stops him during the course of the work, and stops him at a time that harms the worker. In this case, according to our stated condition that it must not entail harm, if he rescinds it, it is not lawful for him to do so.