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**Anckzxik** · 11-14-2011, 02:43 AM

As far as the 'illah is concerned, it is probably more appropriately translated as a "hidden defect" or a "subtle defect." A hadith mu'allal, is a hadith that seems to be sound on the surface, meaning that it fulfills the first four conditions, but when scrutinized by an expert muhaddith, suffers from a "hidden defect." Such defects can be found in either the matn (text) or the sanad (chain) of a particular hadith. However, only a hadith scholar with comprehensive knowledge regarding the ahadith with similar wording or regarding a similar topic as well as detailed information regarding narrators' dates of birth/death, travels, teachers, students, etc. can discern an 'illah. Scholars of this level of expertise are almost non-existent in our era. I'll try and post a few examples of hadith mu'allal later, inshallah.

Assalamu alaikum Ali,

Thanks again for your trouble with this. The category 'illah is a little difficult to understand. The terminology I posted comes from Azmi. I don't know if this has been translated or if he wrote it himself in English. Anyway, 'illah seems to overlap other categories and the only thing unique about it would be that the "defect" is not apparent until it is very closely examined. But one would expect close examination as a matter of course.

Azmi also explains this concept in connections with the fifth of his five criteria: Absence of defects.

He says,

"A defect ('illah) in Hadith is defined as a hidden defect in the Hadith which takes away from its authenticity. A Hadith whih has such a defect is one which appears to be free from defects at first while after investigation it is discovered that it has a certain defect which would not be apparent without investigation. The defect can be in the chain of transmitters or in the text or both." This actually says very little - which suggests a bad translation: Illah is a hidden defect. Hidden means that you cannot see it until you look closely.

That's clear as mud.

Yes. Do post examples if you can find the time. That would be very helpful. Jazaak Allahu Kharan.

Salaam,

Abu Marwan

11-14-2011, 02:43 AM	#9
Anckzxik Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 408 Senior Member	As far as the 'illah is concerned, it is probably more appropriately translated as a "hidden defect" or a "subtle defect." A hadith mu'allal, is a hadith that seems to be sound on the surface, meaning that it fulfills the first four conditions, but when scrutinized by an expert muhaddith, suffers from a "hidden defect." Such defects can be found in either the matn (text) or the sanad (chain) of a particular hadith. However, only a hadith scholar with comprehensive knowledge regarding the ahadith with similar wording or regarding a similar topic as well as detailed information regarding narrators' dates of birth/death, travels, teachers, students, etc. can discern an 'illah. Scholars of this level of expertise are almost non-existent in our era. I'll try and post a few examples of hadith mu'allal later, inshallah. Assalamu alaikum Ali, Thanks again for your trouble with this. The category 'illah is a little difficult to understand. The terminology I posted comes from Azmi. I don't know if this has been translated or if he wrote it himself in English. Anyway, 'illah seems to overlap other categories and the only thing unique about it would be that the "defect" is not apparent until it is very closely examined. But one would expect close examination as a matter of course. Azmi also explains this concept in connections with the fifth of his five criteria: Absence of defects. He says, "A defect ('illah) in Hadith is defined as a hidden defect in the Hadith which takes away from its authenticity. A Hadith whih has such a defect is one which appears to be free from defects at first while after investigation it is discovered that it has a certain defect which would not be apparent without investigation. The defect can be in the chain of transmitters or in the text or both." This actually says very little - which suggests a bad translation: Illah is a hidden defect. Hidden means that you cannot see it until you look closely. That's clear as mud. Yes. Do post examples if you can find the time. That would be very helpful. Jazaak Allahu Kharan. Salaam, Abu Marwan
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