And the pivot of all this rests on two things: knowing the bow’s degree of power, and knowing the arrow’s degree of lightness or heaviness (1). One must not take up a bow beyond his capacity, for doing so exposes his flaw and weakness, harms his own body, spoils his shooting, emboldens his enemy, and brings upon himself a harm greater than anything the enemy could inflict (2).

Section on the etiquette (3) of shooting and what the archer ought to uphold
It has already been stated that the angels attend no pastime except archery. Archers, therefore, should recognize the rank of those in their presence—namely, the angels—and treat them as honored guests. The generous person honors his guest, whereas the ignoble one meets him with conduct unbefitting the courtesy that is due (4). The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Whoever believes in Allah and the Last Day, let him honor his guest” (5).

Thus, a discerning person (6) should regard his walk to the range as he regards his walk to the mosque, and his meeting with those assembled there as his meeting with the leaders and notables who deserve respect. He must not consider his going there a vain diversion or a wasted pastime; rather, it is