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