Each partner is entitled to a share of the profit in accordance with the stipulation—whether one-half, one-quarter, one-third, or any other ratio—because one of them may enjoy greater creditworthiness, be more sought after by merchants, and be more knowledgeable about the techniques of trade than the other. Likewise, the effort each partner expends may differ, prompting him to seek a larger portion in return. For that reason, the matter is ultimately governed by the terms they have agreed upon.

Every partner in a sharikat al-wujūh possesses the same discretionary powers that partners enjoy in a sharikat al-inān.

Second: Partnerships of Labor (sharikat al-abdān)

A sharikat al-abdān is an arrangement in which two or more individuals combine whatever they earn through their own physical effort. It is so called because the partners contribute their persons to the work that generates income and then share whatever they gain.

The proof for the permissibility of this form of partnership is the narration reported by Abu Dawud, al-Nasaʾi, and others from Ibn Masʿūd (Allah be pleased with him): “I, ʿAmmār, and Saʿd entered into partnership over our share on the Day of Badr. Saʿd brought back two captives, while neither I nor ʿAmmār brought anything.” Ahmad commented: “The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) declared them partners,” which demonstrates the validity of sharing the earnings that result from bodily labor.

Once they have reached such an agreement, any job that one of them accepts becomes binding