Document Type : Original Article
Authors
1
Graduate of the Faculty of Theology, Imam Sadiq University, Tehran, Iran
2
Professor Department of Quran and Hadith, Faculty of Theology, Imam Sadiq University, Tehran, Iran.
10.22034/hsr.2026.52581.1174
Abstract
Discrepancies among hadith reports have been identified and addressed by hadith scholars through various interpretive and reconciliatory methods; while such issues are more frequently observed in juridical hadiths, contradictions and conflicts are also present in historical narrations. A thorough historical analysis indicates that historical accounts often reflect divergent perspectives, necessitating the conclusion that at least one position is erroneous. This article critically examines Ṣaḥīḥ Bukhārī, focusing on its sections concerning marriage, the virtues of the Companions, and the beginning of revelation, and identifies specific contradictions within its historical narratives.
These contradictions include the portrayal of certain individuals, such as Abū Dharr. In one hadith, he is portrayed as someone in whom the characteristics of the pre-Islamic period were deeply rooted. In contrast, in another hadith, he and all the members of his tribe are praised. Hadiths concerning the caliphate and succession to the Prophet are another example. In discussing the significance of the position of Amir al-Mu’minin ʿAli, Bukhārī narrates the Hadith of Manzilah, presenting him as occupying a position toward Muhammad analogous to that of Aaron toward Moses. Elsewhere, however, concerning Abū Bakr, he reports from the Prophet: "If you do not find me, then turn to Abū Bakr."
Another form of contradiction consists of reports transmitted by the same individual concerning the same subject that differ from one another. For example, some reports describe the Prophet as possessing a wholesome character and life, whereas others attribute to him something akin to having been affected by magic. The reports transmitted from ʿĀyishah on this subject are particularly noteworthy. Exaggeration and hyperbole in certain hadiths may also result in contradictions with other reports. One example is the exaggeration concerning the Prophet’s intense love for ʿĀyishah, which conflicts with reports describing her jealousy toward the Prophet and her encouraging his other wives to behave similarly. Certain hadiths are also problematic due to the presence of superstitious elements. For instance, one hadith attributes ill omen to horses, while another regards keeping a horse as meritorious. Consequently, this article undertakes a comparative examination of the hadiths within Ṣaḥīḥ Bukhārī, with the scope of analysis restricted to this collection.
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