The ruling on narrators about whom al-Bukhari, Ibn Abi Hatim, and others were silent: Is it permissible to declare them trustworthy?

Al-Halabi : He saysThe questioner : What is your opinion regarding the narrators about whom al-Bukhari was silent in his *al-Tarikh al-Kabir*, and likewise Ibn Abi Hatim in *al-Jarh wa al-Ta'dil*, given that no criticism or vindication of these narrators is mentioned in other books? Is it permissible to declare them trustworthy absolutely? Or what is the detailed ruling?

The Shaykh : It is not permissible to declare them either criticized or trustworthy. Rather, al-Bukhari's book, in relation to this issue, is in the same position as any other book that mentions a narrator and those who narrated from him, but does not include any vindication or criticism. Therefore, they remain in the category of the unknown or the concealed.