As for this expression, it occurs in the Sahīh in some versions of the hadith of al-Mughīra ibn Shuʿba. Al-Bukhārī devoted a chapter heading to it in the Book of Divine Oneness, followed by a chapter on the words of Allah Most High:

“Say, ‘What thing is greatest in testimony?’ Say, ‘Allah.’” [al-Anʿām 19]

Thus Allah Most High called Himself a thing. Al-Bukhārī said:

“Chapter: The saying of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace: ‘No person has greater protective jealousy than Allah.’

We were told by Mūsā ibn Ismāʿīl, who said: We were told by Abū ʿAwāna, who said: We were told by ʿAbd al-Malik ibn