وَلِلْجَرْحِ مَرَاتِبُ
Critical disapproval has several degrees.
Expressions at the harshest end can be emphatic, such as “akdhab al-nās” (“the greatest of liars”) or “ilayhi al-muntahā fī al-kadhib.” The terms “waḍḍāʿ” and “kadhdhāb” signal grave allegations of fabrication or dishonesty. By contrast, “fīhi maqāl” and “laysa bi-l-qawī” are milder warnings.
The real question is which term was used, by which qualified critic, on what basis, and in what context. Treating every negative expression as equivalent confuses a limited weakness with a serious charge of fabrication.