Muʾtalif and mukhtalif is not limited to dots distinguishing consonants. The same unvocalized script may represent names differentiated by fatḥah, kasrah, ḍammah, or gemination. Biographical specialists therefore record pronunciations with expressions such as “with a fatḥah on…” or “with a ḍammah on…”.
Research example: Changing the vowel of a consonant can alter a name while leaving its unvocalized appearance unchanged. The investigator needs established readings and contextual transmission evidence, not a personal preference for a familiar pronunciation.
Rule: agreement in script does not prove agreement in name or individual. Correct vocalization needs separate historical verification.