The above hadith has likewise been narrated through another chain of transmitters.
The Book of Virtues - Sahih Muslim 2318 b
This narration, while conveying the same essential meaning as the primary hadith, reaches us through an alternate chain of reliable transmitters (isnad). Such multiple chains of transmission serve to strengthen the authenticity of the report, a principle known in the sciences of hadith as tawaatur or corroboration. The scholars of Islam place great emphasis on verifying the pathways through which the Prophetic traditions reach us.
Scholarly Commentary
The existence of multiple chains for a single narration is a sign of its soundness and widespread acceptance among the early community. It indicates that the matter was not reliant upon a single source, thus minimizing the possibility of error or forgetfulness from any individual narrator. This rigorous methodology for preserving the Sunnah is a unique feature of the Muslim ummah.
When the compilers of the Sahih collections, such as Imam Muslim, include these supporting chains (shawahid), they do so to demonstrate the robustness of the evidence. It allows the jurist and the scholar to derive rulings with greater confidence, knowing the tradition is firmly established from the Messenger of Allah, peace be upon him.