Question

What is meant when it is said that a narrator is or is not a حافظ الحديث as in for example

شريك: ليس بالحافظ عند أهل الحديث

 

Answer

This is an expression used to show a slight defect in a narrator’s memory. It does not necessarily mean that his memory is totally weak. Rather it is just not as strong as other reliable narrators.

It is from the lightest words that denote a defect.

(Ar-Raf’u wat-Takmil, pg. 190)

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best,

Answered by: Mawlana Muhammad Abasoomar

Checked by: Mawlana Haroon Abasoomar