Similar aḥādīth which are narrated via different chains but reconciliation is not possible[1] are termed muḍṭarib.[2] If it is possible to give preference to one narration over another, then the ruling will be given in according to the ḥadīth which has been given preference, thus this will not be known as muḍṭarib aḥādīth. Likewise, it will not be termed ḥadīth muḍṭarib if it possible to reconcile between the two supposedly contradictory aḥādīth.
Iḍṭirāb necessitates the ḥadīth to be treated as if it is ḍaīf, as a contradiction indicates towards a lack of precision in narrating the ḥadīth.[3]
Iḍṭirāb usually occurs in the sanad, and occasionally in the matn. However it is rare for a ḥadīth to have iḍṭirāb in the matn and not the sanad.[4]
[1] Due to equal strength of narrators
[2] Derived from Iḍṭirāb. Literally; disturbed, agitated, disrupted.
[3] However, Ibn Ḥājar mentions that when the contradiction is between two thiqah narrators, and it is not possible to give preference to one narration over the other, then this in reality does not affect the validity of the ḥadīth.
[4] Usually if there is iḍṭirāb in the matn then there is iḍṭirāb in the sanad as well.
