The Book of Prayer - Travellers

Author: Sahih Muslim | Hadith Reference: Sahih Muslim 743 b

Commentary on the Narration

This statement indicates the presence of multiple authentic chains of transmission (isnad) for the same hadith from the Mother of the Believers, 'A'isha (may Allah be pleased with her). In the science of hadith, such multiple chains strengthen the authenticity and reliability of the narration.

The scholars of hadith consider this a merit, as it demonstrates the careful preservation of the Prophet's teachings through various companions and their students. When a hadith is transmitted through different paths that converge on the same text, it provides greater certainty about its preservation from error or forgetfulness.

Scholarly Significance

This annotation serves to highlight the rigorous methodology of early Muslim scholars in verifying prophetic traditions. The existence of multiple transmission chains from a reliable narrator like 'A'isha reinforces the authenticity of the original hadith being referenced.

Such notations in Sahih Muslim demonstrate Imam Muslim's meticulous approach to hadith compilation, where he often presents different chains for the same narration to establish its authenticity beyond doubt and to provide students of knowledge with comprehensive transmission paths.