Conflict in Hadeeth Mukhtalif al-Hadith

Definition:

Mukhtalif al-Hadith is a branch of hadith studies which is also known as mushkil al-Hadith (the difficult in
hadith). It is concerned with the study of conflict (Taaarudh) in ahadith and proposes methods by which to
reconcile them.

Taaarudh:

Linguistic definition: maana means prohibition or prevention. The reference is from the Quraanic
word, means excuse (prevention).
The muhaddith refers it from the verse: 141 of Soorah al-Annam. The Quraanic word, means
different while the term mukhallif ul-Hadeeth means disagreement and conflicts from narration.
Technically, it is concerned with valid hadith of the Sahih and Hasan. Here, the conflicting hadeeths
command acceptance but is difficult to understand. So, the conflict is apparent but not real.

Resolution of conflict:

1. Al-Jam (Reconciliation & retention): This method combines different methods to find possible ways
to accept both hadeeths which appear to be conflicting with slight difference only. Example:
When the water reaches two qullas, it does not carry dirt.
Allah created water clean and will not make it unclean unless there is a change in its taste, color or
smell.

There is an apparent conflict which can be resolved by generalization. The first hadeeth declares water clean
when it reaches a certain height. The second hadeeth declares that water is clean so long as there is no
change in its attributes of cleanliness. Each of the two hadiths operates as a specifier over the other and the
conflict therein is resolved.

2. Naskh (Abrogation): A chronological order between the two hadith is identified in which one will
abrogate the other.
3. Al-Tarjih (Preference): When chronological order cannot be ascertained, recourse will be made to
the rules of preference to determine the strength and therefore preferable. There are numerous
grounds, such as, the context, the strength and reliability of its narrator, and the clarity and strength
of matn.

When all are acceptable, Ibn Hajr (rha) used al-jam only.

Difference between Mushkil and Mukhtalif:

Mushkil
It include conflict in hadith but difficult
nevertheless to comprehend.
Here, difficulty due to an apparent conflict
between a hadith and a Quranic text, or with
human experience and natural science.
Mukhtalif
It is concerned with clarification of the meaning of
difficult and unfamiliar terms and expressions even
when there are no other conflicting hadith.
Here, conflict is used in rather a loose sense and in
reference sometimes to cases that do not strictly
amount to a conflict situation.

Taaarudh haqeeqee (True contradiction):

The ulama were challenged by the doubts and controversies, concerning the import and meaning of some
ahadith of two authorities of same strength, meaning and time. It cannot exist in hadeeth, because,
 i) Hadeeth is revelation (reff.-53: 3-4; 21:45; 4:72).
ii) Hadeeth cannot have confusion in legal injunction.
iii) Hadeeth cannot suggest ignorance of Allah (SWT).
iv) Hadeeth necessitates naskh and tarjee.
v) It may exist in aqeedah which is beyond our intellects grasp while practical injunction and
implementation may not have it.

Imam ash-Shafiee (rha) gave reason:

i) Narrators ability: Lack of proficiency in language, memory, adaa (mistake in delivery of

hadeeth).
ii) Ignorance of naskh.
iii) Changes in circumstances and environment.

Ulamas attempt to resolve:

Jamhoor (majority)- Maliki, Shafiee, Hanbali Hanafi

and few Hanafi order
They used al-jam;, naskh, looking for
supporting evidence, and then stopped or did
nothing or chose anyone.
They used the term bara alasliyyaa which
assumed an act to be permitted as an act of
innocence without specification of haram.
Looked for naskh or tarjee. Then they
suspended both and searched for a different
narration.
They mainly preferred tarjee as the Sahabah
did.