This hadith is reported by Zuhri on the authority of Sufyan with a different chain of transmitters.
The Book of Drinks - Sahih Muslim 2020 b
In the name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. All praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, and may peace and blessings be upon His final Messenger Muhammad.
This narration from Sahih Muslim, transmitted through the esteemed chains of Zuhri and Sufyan, concerns matters pertaining to drinks and their rulings in Islamic law. The variation in chains of transmission (isnad) while preserving the same meaning demonstrates the meticulous preservation of Prophetic traditions by the scholars of hadith.
Scholarly Commentary on Transmission
The mention of different chains of transmitters indicates the strength and authenticity of this tradition. When multiple reliable narrators report the same essential meaning through different paths, this constitutes what scholars term "mutawatir ma'nawi" (conceptual mass transmission), which strengthens the certainty of the ruling.
Imam Zuhri (rahimahullah) was among the foremost scholars of hadith in his generation, known for his precision and reliability. His transmission through multiple paths confirms the widespread acceptance of this ruling among the early Muslim community.
Methodological Significance
The science of hadith criticism places great emphasis on verifying chains of transmission. When Imam Muslim includes a narration with different chains, he demonstrates the rigorous methodology employed by the scholars of hadith to ensure the authenticity of Prophetic traditions.
This approach reflects the divine protection of the Sunnah promised by Allah in His wisdom, ensuring that the guidance of the Prophet (peace be upon him) remains preserved for future generations until the Day of Judgment.