The Change of Relation and its Validity to Resolve the Contradiction of Proofs

One of the significant topics of contradiction of proofs in the science of Usul Al-Fiqh is the change of relation i.e. where established contradiction occurs among more than two proofs. After two proofs are restricted (takhsis) or qualified (taqhyid), the relation of one of them to the third proof is observed and by the third proof, their relation is converted from stable contradiction into unstable contradiction. Through analyzing the authority of change of relation, the authors have attempted to study those contradictions of proofs which consist of contradiction among more than two proofs and lead to the application of change of relation. In addition, given the different instances of change of relation (according to the opinions of later and earlier jurists), the arguments of opponents and advocators of change of relation as well as instances of application of change of relation in hadiths are analyzed and finally, it is indicated that change of relation is of authority in a number of cases while it lacks authority in others.