The method of reconciliation between mukhtalaf al-ḥadīth

1. According to the three Imām’s and some of the Aḥnāf,[1] such as al-Fārisī, al-Shummanī, Shāh Walī Allāh, Laknawī and Hakīm al-Ummah al-Tahānwī is:

   1. Jam’ – reconciliation
   2. Naskh – abrogation
   3. Tarjīḥ – giving preference
   4. Tawaqquf – not giving a ruling

This is also understood from the speech of Ṭaḥāwī and ‘Īsā Ibn Abān and Al-Jaṣāṣ.

2. According to the Ibn al-Humām and the majority of the muta’akhirīn the order for reconciliation is:

   1. Naskh
   2. Tarjīḥ
   3. Jam’  

            This is disputed in some cases.[2]

[1] Namely the mutaqaddimīn Aḥnāf. 

[2] According to ‘Abd al-Aẓīm al-Balyāwi this is not accepted all the time, as sometimes it is not possible. Thus this is not a generic principle.