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Q&A · Hadith

What is a shadh (anomalous) hadith?

A shadh (anomalous) hadith is one in which a trustworthy narrator contradicts a narrator who is more reliable or more numerous, so his odd version is rejected. Freedom from shudhudh (anomaly) is one of the five conditions of a sahih hadith, alongside a connected chain and upright, precise narrators. This means a chain can look outwardly sound yet still be classed defective if it clashes with stronger narrations. The opposite — the preserved version that agrees with the stronger narration — is called mahfuz. This careful weighing rests on the Quranic principle of verifying reports.

Informational, not a personal fatwa. Consult a qualified scholar for rulings on your situation.

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