There can be no contradictions or inconsistencies in the words of the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. Whatever he says concerning religion is from Allah and therefore is free from any errors, forgetfulness, contradictions, or inconsistencies. This is both a recognized fact and an established principle in hadith methodology. Thus, if a situation arises where two contradictory narrations are encountered, our scholarly tradition gives preference to the narration that aligns more closely with the Qur’an, the Sunnah, and the principles of reason and knowledge. If such preference is not possible, an approach of reconciliation is adopted, considering the context, era, and audience. If even this proves difficult, a position of suspension (tawaqquf) is taken concerning both narrations, avoiding their use as evidence or argumentation.
Some details in the narratives concerning the Second Coming of Jesus – both internal and external – seem to present contradictions and inconsistencies. One prominent example of this phenomenon is as follows:
It is clear from the narratives about the descent of Jesus that this event is linked to the end times and that his descent will be a sign of the Day of Judgment. According to these narratives, after descending, Jesus will first kill the Dajjal and eliminate Christians and Jews from all over the world. Hence, the Day of Judgment will occur only when there are only Muslims left in the world.
Now, the following narrative in the Sahih of Imam Muslim presents a different picture, according to which the Day of Judgment will occur when Christians are in majority:
عن المستورد القرشي، قال: سمعت رسول اللّٰه صلى اللّٰه عليه وسلم، يقول: تقوم الساعة والروم اكثر الناس، قال: فبلغ ذلك عمرو بن العاص، فقال: ما هذه الاحاديث التي تذكر عنك انك تقولها عن رسول اللّٰه صلى اللّٰه عليه وسلم؟ فقال له المستورد: قلت الذي سمعت من رسول اللّٰه صلى اللّٰه عليه وسلم قال، فقال عمرو: لئن، قلت: ذلك إنهم لاحلم الناس عند فتنة، واجبر الناس عند مصيبة، وخير الناس لمساكينهم وضعفائهم.
Mustawrid Qurashi reported that he heard the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) saying, ‘The Day of Judgement will be established when Romans will outnumber all other nations.’ When this report reached Amr bin Al-As, he said: ‘What are these narrations that you mention claiming to have heard from the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him?’ Mustawrid said: I only narrate what I heard from the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him. Amr said: If you have said this, (then it is true), for Christians are the most patient in the face of turmoil, are the quickest to recover from a calamity, and they are the best among people in dealing with the impoverished and the weak. (Muslim No. 2898)