Ḥadīth al-mu’allal

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.

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[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.