or a torch. If an incidental event occurs that prevents shooting, as we have mentioned, or a bow is broken, a string is cut, or an arrow is fractured (40), it is permissible to replace it. If that is not possible, the shooting is delayed until the impediment is removed.

Section: If one of them intends to prolong the time and occupy himself away from shooting with something unnecessary, such as wiping his bows and strings, and the like, desiring to prolong the time against his companion so that he might perhaps forget the aim with which he hit, or become fatigued, he is prevented from doing so and is urged to shoot. He should not be flustered by extreme haste, however, such that he is prevented from aiming carefully. Each of them is prohibited from speech that would anger his companion, such as composing rajaz poetry, boasting, bragging about a hit, criticizing his companion for a mistake, or demonstrating that he is 'teaching' him. The same applies to one who is present with them, such as a prince, witnesses, or others; it is disliked for them to praise the one who hits, to cheer for him, or to criticize and reprimand the one who errs, because this entails breaking the heart of one of them and inciting his rage.

Section: If they dispute over the standing position, and what one of them requests is more appropriate—such as one position facing the sun or a wind that makes facing it harmful, and the like, while the other faces away from it—the statement of the one who requests facing away from it is given priority; because this is the custom, unless it is in their condition to face it, in which case the condition is more binding, as we said regarding shooting at night. If both positions are equal, the choice belongs to the one who has the precedence, and the other follows him. If they are in the second round, the second one stands where he wishes, and the first follows him.

Section: It is permissible to contract a shooting contest for a group, because it is narrated that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) passed by some of his companions who were competing in archery, and he said: "Shoot, and I am with the son of al-Adra'." [The others stopped and said: How can we shoot when you are with the son of al-Adra'?] He said: "Shoot, and I am with all of you." Narrated by al-Bukhari (46). Because if it is permissible for two to participate, it is permissible for them to be two groups; for the objective is to determine skill, and this is achieved in two groups, so it is permissible, as in horse racing. It is established that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) held races between trained horses and between horses that were not trained (48). Based on this, each party is in the position of one individual.