on their criteria, that is open to examination, for Ibn al-Daylamī is not counted among their narrators. He is, however, reliable and one of the senior Successors, as al-Ḥāfiẓ states in al-Taqrīb, adding, “Some have even included him among the Companions.”

The ḥadith was also recorded by Ibn Khuzaymah and Ibn Ḥibbān in their respective Ṣaḥīḥ collections, as noted in al-Targhīb (2/137–138), and it was judged authentic by al-Nawawī in al-Majmūʿ (8/278) and by Ibn Ḥajar in Fatḥ al-Bārī (6/316).

The report does have a supporting narration, yet it contains a very objectionable addition and its isnād is extremely weak. I shall quote it only to warn against it, for we have often heard it proclaimed by some preachers from the pulpits—there is no power and no might except with Allah.

Al-Ṭabarānī relates it in al-Muʿjam al-Kabīr from Rāfiʿ ibn ʿUmayr, traced back to the Prophet:

“Allah said to David, ‘Build Me a house on earth.’ So David built a house for himself before building the house he had been commanded to erect. Allah then revealed to him, ‘O David, have you set up your own house before Mine?’ He replied, ‘My Lord, thus have You decreed, for it is said, “Whoever wields power keeps the choicest share.”’ He then began building the mosque, but when the wall was finished two-thirds of it collapsed. He complained of this to Allah, Mighty and Majestic, and Allah revealed to him, ‘It is not fitting that you build a house for Me.’ He asked, ‘My Lord, why not?’ Allah answered, ‘Because much blood has been shed at your hands.’ David said, ‘My Lord, was that not done for Your pleasure and love?’ Allah replied, ‘Indeed, yet they are My servants and I am most merciful to them.’ This weighed heavily upon David, so Allah revealed to him, ‘Do not grieve; I shall decree that its construction be completed at the hands of your son Solomon.’ When he died …”