A maqbūl narration, if it is safe from being contradicted by another maqbūl narration, even if it is apparent, will be termed muḥkam. However, if the maqbūl narration contradicts another maqbūl narration this will be termed mukhtalaf al-ḥadīth.[1]
[1] Mukhtalaf al-ḥadīth is when there is a contradiction between two aḥādīth. Mushkil al-ḥadīth is when there is a contradiction between an accepted ḥadīth and any dalīl such as the Qur’ān or ijmā’ of the ṣaḥābah. Some say that mukhtalaf al-ḥadīth and mushkil al-ḥadīth are synonymous terms. Note; when a ḍaīf narration opposes a ṣaḥīḥ or ḥasan narration this is also called mukhtalaf al-ḥadīth.
