This estimate has neither an explicit text from the Imām nor any proof derived from the Sacred Law (1).

The Khorāsānian faction of the school says: If the distance is such that striking the target is ordinarily attainable, specifying it is valid; if hitting the mark is impossible, it is invalid; and if the arrow can traverse the distance but a hit would be exceedingly rare (2), then there are two opinions.

I say: This is closer to the truth. When they allow the range to be set at three hundred and fifty cubits—or at three hundred—yet do not allow the competition to be judged merely on distance but insist on an actual hit, then at such a range one scores only by coincidence. The farther the target, the scarcer the hits. For that reason, target-shooting is conducted only at a distance where striking the mark is generally achievable, and these distances are three: short, medium, and long. A beginner starts with the near range, then the intermediate, and finally the far; whoever can hit at the customary distances of all three (3) is, in truth, an archer.

Fourth: The stake must be known. It may be a particular item or one described; it may be payable immediately or deferred; it may be of a single kind or of various kinds; and part of it may be due at once while the rest is deferred.

Fifth: Delivery of the stake must be within the offerer’s power. Hence, if he puts up a runaway slave, a stray horse, a jewel lying at the bottom of the sea, or a bird in flight that he promises to capture for the winner, it would not