The Book of Racing and Archery
The Book of Racing and Archery
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The Book of Racing and Archery
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful.

Prize competitions (sabaq) are permissible only in three cases: with khuff—that is, the camel; with ḥāfir—that is, the horse; and with naṣl—that is, the arrow. Mālik said: “No prize money is lawful except in horse-racing and archery, for these strengthen the Muslims against the enemy.” He further stated: “Horse-racing is dearer to us than archery competitions,” although the plain sense of the ḥadīth places racing on the camel and racing on the horse on the same footing.

No archery contest may carry a prize unless the target distance is specified, the number of shots fixed, and the scoring method clearly stipulated—whether by piercing the target or by striking it without piercing. Likewise, no prize may be offered for horse or camel racing unless the finishing line and the overall distance are precisely defined.

Prize competitions fall into three categories:

1. A prize set up by the ruler—or by any private individual—from his own wealth as a voluntary donation, in which a fixed sum is designated for the winner; whoever wins takes it.
2. A prize furnished by only one of the two competitors: if the other wins, he takes the prize; but if the provider wins, the prize is secured for him and does not revert to his own property.

Mālik said: “If someone offers a prize on the condition that, should he be outshot he will not give them anything, and if he does not…"