Al-Haythamī—may Allah have mercy on him—said: “Its chain contains Zabbān ibn Fāʾid, who is weak, although he has been declared trustworthy; the same applies to Ibn Lahīʿa.”1 End quote.
It does, however, have a corroborating mursal report with an authentic chain. Ibn al-Mubārak narrated it in al-Zuhd, saying: Haywa informed me, saying: Zuhra ibn Maʿbad related to me that he heard Abū Saʿīd al-Maqburī say: Someone asked, “O Messenger of Allah, which pilgrims receive the greatest reward?” He replied, “Those who remember Allah most.” He asked, “Which of those who pray receive the greatest reward?” He replied, “Those who remember Allah most.” He asked, “Which fasting people receive the greatest reward?” He replied, “Those who remember Allah most.” He asked, “Which of those who strive in Allah’s cause receive the greatest reward?” He replied, “Those who remember Allah most.” Zuhra said: Abū Saʿīd al-Maqburī informed me that ʿUmar ibn al-Khattāb said to Abū Bakr, “Those who remember Allah have carried off every good.”2
It has another corroborating report cited by Ibn al-Qayyim in his book al-Wābil al-Sayyib. He said: Ibn Abī al-Dunyā mentioned a mursal hadith in which the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—was asked, “Which of the mosque-goers are best?” He replied, “Those who remember Allah, Glorious and Exalted, most.” He was asked, “Which of those attending a funeral are best?” He replied, “Those who remember Allah, Glorious and Exalted, most.” He was asked, “Which of those who strive in Allah’s cause are best?” He replied, “Those who remember Allah, Glorious and Exalted, most.” He was asked, “Which pilgrims are best?” He replied, “Those who remember Allah, Glorious and Exalted, most.” He was asked, “Which of those visiting the sick are best?” He replied, “Those who remember Allah, Glorious and Exalted, most.” Abū Bakr said, “Those who remember Allah have carried off all goodness.”3
Thus, with its two corroborating reports, the hadith is fit to be cited as evidence, Allah willing, and the meaning it indicates