camels, mules, and donkeys. Thus, the meaning of their creation for plowing, if Allah wills, is that the majority of their utility is found therein, and this does not prevent their utility for something else, just as horses were created for riding and adornment, yet eating them is permitted, and pearls were created for jewelry, yet it is permissible to use them in medicine and other things. And Allah knows best.

909 - Issue: He said: (And whatever occurs to the commodity at the hands of the craftsman, he is liable.)

The summary of this is that the hired worker is of two types: specific and common. The specific [hired worker] is one upon whom the contract is concluded for a known duration, during which the employer is entitled to his benefit throughout the entire time, such as a man hired for service, or work in construction, sewing, or shepherding, for a day or a month. He is called 'specific' because the employer has exclusive right to his benefit during that duration, unlike other people. The common [hired worker] is the one with whom the contract is concluded for a specific task, such as sewing a garment, building a wall, or carrying something to a specific place, or for work during a duration in which [the employer] is not entitled to all of his benefit, such as an oculist or a physician. He is called 'common' because he accepts work for two, three, or more people at one time and works for them, so they share in his benefit and the entitlement to it; thus he is called 'common' because of their sharing in his benefit. The common hired worker is the craftsman mentioned by al-Khiraqi, and he is liable for what his hand has caused. Therefore, a weaver, if he spoils his weaving, is liable for what he has spoiled. Ahmad explicitly stated this regarding this issue in the narration of Ibn Mansur. The fuller (bleacher) is liable for what is torn due to his pounding, stretching, squeezing, or flattening. The cook is liable for what he spoils of his cooking. The baker is liable for what he spoils of his bread. The porter is liable for what falls of his load from his head, or is damaged due to his stumbling. The camel driver is liable for what is damaged due to his leading, driving, or the breaking of the rope with which he secures his load. The boatman is liable for what is damaged due to his hand, his rowing, or what he uses to manage the ship. This has been narrated from Umar, Ali, Abdullah ibn Utba, Shurayh, al-Hasan, and al-Hakam. And it is the opinion of...