—such as a general ijazah that concerns the recipient rather than the material transmitted. A shaykh might say, “I authorize all Muslims (1),” or “I authorize everyone who lives to see my lifetime (2),” or “I authorize the people of such-and-such province,” or “the residents of such-and-such town (3).” This form is nearer to validity, because the class of recipients is relatively confined.

Likewise, there is the ijazah granted to an unknown person, meaning that the recipient is left vague or unspecified (4).

And similarly the ijazah given to someone not yet in existence, as when he says, “I authorize whoever will be born to So-and-so.” (5)

It has also (6) been said (7) that if the non-existent person is coupled with someone who already exists the authorization is sound (8); for example: “I authorize you (9) and whoever will be born to you (10).” The view that is closer to correctness, however, is that even this form is invalid.