Is the rule that “explained criticism takes precedence over praise” absolute, or is it permissible to reconcile explained criticism with praise when possible, as the Hafiz sometimes does?

The questioner : Our Shaykh, may Allah preserve you, there is also a well-known rule in the science of al-jarh wa al-ta'dil (the critique and vindication of narrators), which is that explained criticism takes precedence over praise. However, when we look at the practice of the Hafiz in al-Taqrib, we see that he attempts to reconcile praise and criticism, even if the criticism is explained. For example, he might say, “It was said of this man that he is trustworthy (thiqah),” and then mention that some said of him that he has poor memory. This is explained criticism. He might then say, for example, “He is truthful (siddiq) but has errors,” combining the two terms. Or sometimes he says, “He is truthful, but he may err.” So, is the rule we constantly see in books of terminology absolute? We see it stated as absolute: explained criticism takes precedence over praise. Is this rule absolute, or is it not applied in some cases, requiring the researcher to reconcile the criticism with the praise, even if the criticism is explained?

The Shaykh : Yes, may Allah bless you. This is what you concluded in your final statement, and it is what the practice of the Hafiz in his book al-Taqrib revolves around, even though he is sometimes mistaken in his judgment.

The questioner : Yes.

The Shaykh : Yes, but the principle is to reconcile the statement of the one who vouches for the narrator, if he is reliable in his vouching, of course, with the statement of the one who weakens him, if the two statements allow for reconciliation. For example, it is not hidden from you that if the criticism is an accusation of lying, there is no room for reconciliation in that case.

The questioner : Yes.

The Shaykh : As long as the statement we consider as criticism, and secondly as explained criticism, and thirdly as significant criticism, in this case only, we, or the Hafiz with us, try to reconcile the statements of the one or ones who vouch for the narrator with the statement of the one or ones who weaken him, to the extent we are able.

The questioner : So, your statement, our Shaykh, are these the guidelines for what you have said?

The Shaykh : Yes, but it is not consistent, as we say in many of these guidelines.

The questioner : Yes, may Allah bless you.

The Shaykh : Yes, indeed.

The questioner : Also.