The Book of Virtues - Sahih Muslim 2287 b

This hadith has been narrated through another chain of transmitters but with a slight variation of wording.

In the science of hadith, such variations in transmission chains and wording are known as "ṭuruq" (paths) and demonstrate the meticulous preservation of Prophetic traditions. The core meaning remains intact while minor linguistic differences reflect the natural variations in human transmission.

Scholars of hadith consider such parallel narrations as strengthening the authenticity of the report, as multiple independent chains converging on the same essential meaning indicates widespread acceptance among the Companions and their students.

Scholarly Commentary

The slight variation in wording mentioned here does not affect the legal or doctrinal content of the hadith. Rather, it demonstrates the divine wisdom in allowing natural human variations in expression while preserving the essential message.

Classical scholars like Imam Nawawi and Ibn Hajar have explained that such variations often complement each other, providing a more complete understanding when studied together. The consistency of meaning across different chains affirms the reliability of Islamic transmission methodology.