The Book on Government - Sahih Muslim 1822 b

This narration from Sahih Muslim's "Book on Government" (Kitab al-Imarah) serves as a transmission chain indicator, affirming the authenticity of a preceding hadith through the authority of the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ).

Scholarly Commentary

The phrase "I heard Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) say" establishes direct auditory transmission (sama') from the Prophet, which represents the highest form of hadith narration. Classical scholars emphasize that such wording indicates the narrator's careful preservation of the Prophet's exact words.

This transmission methodology reflects the rigorous standards of Sahih Muslim, where each narrator in the chain must be known for righteousness, precision, and continuous connection to their teachers. The reference to "the above-mentioned hadith" demonstrates the compiler's organizational method, grouping related traditions together.

Legal and Spiritual Significance

In Islamic jurisprudence, such authentic transmissions form the foundation for deriving rulings related to governance, leadership qualifications, and communal obligations. The preservation of the Prophet's teachings through verified chains ensures the continuity of Islamic guidance.

Scholars note that the emphasis on hearing directly from the Messenger reinforces the importance of seeking knowledge from authentic sources and maintaining the purity of religious transmission against innovation or distortion.