Examining the Intersection of Prophetic Hadith and Intellect: Authenticity, Contradiction, and Scholarly Perspectives

Abstract This article critically examines whether a prophetic Hadith can be considered weak if it conflicts with intellect. The research employs analytical and library research methods, drawing on various scholarly works, including books, academic articles, and writings by Muslim scholars spanning both the classical and contemporary eras. This study reveals that when the authenticity of a Hadith is uncertain and contradicts intellect, it can be deemed weak. However, if a Hadith is deemed authentic by Hadith scholars despite its contradiction with intellect, two distinct theories emerge among Muslim scholars. The first theory, supported by many classical scholars and their contemporary followers, argues that a correct Hadith never opposes the intellect. According to this perspective, a sound and clear intellect will never contradict an authentic Hadith. In contrast, the second theory, advocated by modern Muslim scholars and some classical scholars, posits that a prophetic Hadith should be considered weak if it conflicts with intellect.The findings of this paper indicate that a prophetic Hadith, when narrated through a strong chain of narrators tracing back to the Prophet Muhammad, cannot inherently contradict the intellect. However, if a Hadith contradicts sound intellect, it can be a valid reason to question its authenticity and consider it weak. This study provides a deeper understanding of the complex relationship between prophetic Hadith and intellect through a comprehensive analysis of the scholarly discourse surrounding this topic. It underscores the importance of rigorous authentication processes, emphasizing the need to consider the reliability of the Hadith chain and the principles of intellectual reasoning when assessing the strength or weakness of a prophetic Hadith