Al-muʾtalif wa-l-mukhtalif consists of names that agree in their written form but differ in pronunciation. The difference may depend on consonantal dots, vowels, or other vocalization. One visual shape cannot be assumed to have one correct reading; it may point to different names and usually different people.
Contrast: In muttafiq wa-muftariq, the spelling and pronunciation match but the individuals differ. In muʾtalif wa-mukhtalif, the written presentation matches while the pronunciation differs. Confusing these yields different errors of attribution.
Unpointed or scarcely vocalized manuscripts heighten the risk. Established biographical vocalization must not be replaced by an untested guess based on consonant outlines.