A ḥadīth mu’allal[1] is that ḥadīth which contains a hidden defect causing doubt in its authenticity, even though it may appear to be sound.[2]
A ḥadīth mu’allal is found by looking at exclusive reports by a narrator and by others contradicting the narration with the presence of other factors. Thus this is a difficult science which is only to be investigated by those who are well versed. Some of the warning signs which give alert to a ḥadīth possibly being al-mu’allal are:
- the possibility of irsāl in a mawṣūl[3] ḥadīth
- mawqūf in a marfū’ ḥadīth[4]
- entering one ḥadīth into another ḥadīth
- the mistake of the narrator such that he is unaware, thus it is acted upon, or rejected, or tawaqquf[5] is done.
All of these things mentioned are preventative factors which raise doubt in the authenticity of the ḥadīth.
[1] Literally; defective.
[2] Termed ẓāhir al-salāmah in Arabic. Thus if Imām Bukhāri narrates from ‘Abdullāh ibn Mubārak, his teachers teacher, this is not ẓāhir al-salāmah, apparently sound, as it is clear that he could not have narrated from him, thus this ḥadīth would not be termed mu’allal.
[3] Ḥadīth with connected chain
[4] For example when a narrator mentions a statement of Ibn Mas’ūd but doesn’t clarify, thus others think that this is the saying of the Prophet ﷺ.
[5] Waiting to give a verdict until further evidence is found.
