Ibn Qutaibah’s Approach to Reconciling Contradictory Hadis: A Study of Ta’wīl Mukhtalif al-Ḥadīth

Abstract

This study examines the controversy of ikhtilāf al-matn al-ḥadīth, namely the contradiction in the hadith editing, through the perspective of Ibn Qutaibah in his book Taʾwīl Mukhtalif al-Ḥadīth. This phenomenon is an important issue in the study of hadith because it has the potential to cause confusion among the ummah about the authority and validity of the Prophet's hadith. The main purpose of this study is to identify the factors that cause the emergence of ikhtilāf matan hadith and to describe the method of settlement offered by Ibn Qutaibah. This study uses a qualitative method with a descriptive-analytical approach to library research. The primary source of data in this study is the book Taʾwīl Mukhtalif al-Ḥadīth, while secondary data is obtained from classical and contemporary literature related to hadith and its methodology of understanding. The data collection technique is carried out through documentation, and data analysis uses the content analysis method which emphasizes the identification of concepts, arguments, and strategies for resolving hadith contradictions according to Ibn Qutaibah. The results of the study show that Ibn Qutaibah offers three main approaches in resolving ikhtilāf matan hadith, namely al-jamʿ wa al-tawfīq (compromise), nasikh-mansukh (abrogation), and tarjīḥ (stronger postulation preference). This approach allows for harmonization between hadiths without denying the validity of both. This study emphasizes the importance of a deep understanding of ikhtilāf matan hadith in order to avoid religious misinterpretations and encourage people to be more open in accepting the diversity of Islamic understanding.