What is the difference between the saying of the Muhaddithun (Hadith scholars) in judging a Hadith as being defective (Ma‘lul) or as being declared defective by virtue of Irsaal (disconnected narration)?
Source: FtawySummary from Ftawy's records · added here Sep 2, 2026
The 'علل' (defective/illal) is one in which a defect impairing its authenticity has been discovered, even though it outwardly appears sound. This defect (illah) may be in the text (matn) or the chain of transmission (sanad). A Hadith may be deemed defective due to its being mursal (lacking a Companion in the chain) or for other reasons. The defect often occurs in the (chain of transmission), which is more common, but it can also occur in the matn (text). A defect in the isnad can sometimes invalidate both the isnad and the matn. For more information, one can refer to specialized books on Hadith terminology.
Summary from Ftawy's records · added here
Reviewed by El Fatwa's sharia committee.
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