Sayf (the sword) and its rulings

The sayf is a known kind of weapon, plural asyaf, suyuf or asif; it is used figuratively in speech of a sharp tongue, as one says that a man's jaws hold a keen sword. ¹

The Hanafis hold that if a sword is touched by impurity it is enough to wipe it, since impurity does not penetrate a polished surface; a rusted sword is cleansed only with water. ² The Malikis hold that blood from a lawful killing (in jihad, retaliation or ritual slaughter) is excused on the sword, whether or not it is wiped; the Hanbalis hold that wiping does not suffice even for a polished blade, and water must run over it. The Shafi'i texts on the question were not found. ²

Most jurists recommend that the preacher lean on a bow, a sword or a staff during the Friday sermon, on the report of al-Hakam ibn Hazn al-Kulfi, and because it aids him. The Hanafis distinguish: the sermon is given with a sword only in a town conquered by force, like Mecca, and not elsewhere like Medina. ^{2 3}

The Hanafis and Shafi'is hold that a pilgrim in the state of consecration may carry a sword or weapon and fasten a belt, since it does not cover or clothe him. The Malikis and Hanbalis forbid carrying a sword without need, on the saying of Ibn Umar that no weapon is lawful for a pilgrim in the sacred territory; the Malikis require it removed at once when carried without excuse. ^{2 3}

The Malikis and Shafi'is allow a sword and weapons to be decorated with silver; the Malikis allow gold too, whether the decoration is on the blade's base or on the sheath; the Shafi'is forbid any gold decoration. The Hanafis say there is no harm in silvering a blade or hilt. ³

The Hanafis, and the sounder Hanbali view, hold that retaliation may be carried out only with the sword, whatever the offender used. The hadith on this ("no retaliation except by the sword") is reported from al-Nu'man ibn Bashir and weakened by Ibn Hajar, and the prohibition of mutilation is cited. If the victim's kin kill in another way they are disciplined but owe nothing, since the killing is their right. ^{3 4} The Malikis, Shafi'is and a Hanbali report hold that the kin may do to the offender as he did. The Malikis exclude killing by long means such as withholding food or water until death; in such cases the sword is required. ⁴ The details are in the entries on retaliation and carrying it out. ⁴