one entails the falsity of the other.

Contradiction in the broader sense occurs when what one piece of evidence establishes is incompatible with what the other establishes, either directly or through a necessary implication. For example, one may negate a necessary consequence of the other or affirm something that entails it: the absence of a necessary consequence entails the absence of that which implies it, while the existence of something that entails it establishes its existence.

This also includes passing different judgments on two things that are alike in every respect relevant to the judgment. This, too, is a contradiction, since a thing and its equivalent must receive the same judgment. To pass a contrary judgment on its equivalent is therefore as though one had passed a contrary judgment on the thing itself.

This broader contradiction is the inconsistency that Allah Most High denied of His Book when He said, Mighty and Majestic:

“Do they not reflect upon the Quran? Had it been from anyone other than Allah, they would have found much inconsistency in it.” [al-Nisā’: 82]

It is also the inconsistency with which Allah described the statements of the disbelievers when He said:

“Indeed, your statements differ. Turned away from it is he who is turned away.” [al-Dhāriyāt: 8–9]

Its opposite is the general consistency with which Allah described the Quran when He said:

“Allah has sent down the best message: a Book consistent in its parts, reiterating its teachings.” [al-Zumar: 23]

This is not the particular ambiguity with which Allah Most High described parts of the Quran when He said:

“In it are verses that are clear and definitive—they are the foundation of the Book—and others that are ambiguous.” [Āl ‘Imrān: 7]

That general consistency means correspondence, mutual corroboration, and harmony. Its opposite is inconsistency, meaning contradiction and conflict. Evidence that establishes knowledge cannot be contradictory or conflicting. No rational person disputes this,