Rājiḥ and Marjūḥ: Preference and Practice

1. In this lesson

Two Hadith have opposing meanings, cannot both be followed, and it is not known which came earlier.

If scholarly grounds allow one to be given preference over the other in this case, what are the two called, and which is followed? This is the focus of the lesson.

2. When does this case arise?

The meanings of two Hadith oppose each other. Four further features belong together here:

• The two Hadith are equal in soundness—their degree of established authenticity.
• Reconciliation is impossible: their meanings cannot be brought together so that both can be followed.
• It is unknown which came earlier or later.
• Scholarly grounds allow one to be given preference over the other.

Keep all four features together when learning the terms that follow.

3. Tarjīḥ and rājiḥ

Tarjīḥ means giving one Hadith preference over another on scholarly grounds, choosing it to be followed.

In the case described on the preceding slide, the Hadith given preference is called rājiḥ.

This is not choosing whichever one appeals to us; preference has scholarly grounds.

4. Marjūḥ

In the same comparison, the other Hadith—the one not given preference—is called marjūḥ.

• Rājiḥ: the report given preference.
• Marjūḥ: the report over which the other is preferred.

Calling it marjūḥ here does not mean calling it false; both were described at the outset as equal in soundness.

5. Which is followed?

When reconciliation is impossible, chronology is unknown, and preference is possible, the rājiḥ report is followed among these Hadith of equal soundness.

This is not because the rājiḥ report must be later; chronology is unknown here. The basis is preference.

6. Keep two points distinct

• When the meanings can be brought together so both Hadith can be followed, that is reconciliation; both are followed.
• In this lesson's case, reconciliation is impossible and chronology is unknown, so scholarly preference determines that the rājiḥ is followed.

A statement merely seeming easier or more appealing is not a reason to declare it rājiḥ.

7. Summary

• The Hadith oppose each other, are equal in soundness, cannot be reconciled, and their chronology is unknown, but preference is possible.
• The preferred report is rājiḥ; the other is marjūḥ.
• In this case the rājiḥ is followed; preference rests on scholarly grounds, not personal liking.