What is the Ruling if Affirmative and Negative Evidences Contradict Each Other?
Source: Fatāwā Amanpuri by Shaykh Ghulam Mustafa Zaheer Amanpuri
❖ Question:
What is the ruling if affirmative (muthbit) evidence (which affirms something) and negative (munāfī) evidence (which negates something) contradict each other?
❖ Answer:
If affirmative and negative evidences come into conflict, then the affirmative will be given precedence. This is the general principle. However, if there is an indication or supporting evidence for giving precedence to the negative, then the negative will be prioritized.
✿ Statement of Ḥāfiẓ al-Bayhaqī رحمه الله:
المثبت أولى من المنافي
(The affirmative takes precedence over the negative.)
(al-Sunan al-Kubrā 2/161, 3/329, 332, 4/385)
