His disciple al-Bayhaqi, however, differed with him, saying, “Shaddad ibn Saʿid Abu Talhah al-Rāsibī is the sole narrator of this report, and he is not strong.”

The correct view is what al-Ḥākim stated: the narration satisfies Muslim’s criteria. Yet because al-Rāsibī has been criticized, his report drops from the level of ṣaḥīḥ (sound) to ḥasan (fair). Al-Dhahabī describes him as “acceptable in ḥadith,” while Ibn Ḥajar comments in al-Taqrīb, “He is trustworthy but makes mistakes.” Ibn Ḥajar also cited this very ḥadith in Fatḥ al-Bārī (1/415) without grading it weak; therefore, the report is ḥasan.

A supporting Companion-level report exists. Al-Bukhārī introduced a heading, “Preferring the right side when entering the mosque and elsewhere,” and wrote: “Ibn ʿUmar would start with his right foot when he entered, and when he left he would start with his left.” He recorded it in suspended form, and Ibn Ḥajar notes, “I have not found it with a continuous chain.”

The first part of that report is reinforced by the general statement of ʿĀ’ishah – may Allah be pleased with her – who said, “The Prophet ﷺ loved to begin with the right side in all his affairs whenever he could: in his purification, in combing his hair, and in putting on his sandals.” Al-Bukhārī collected it (1/216, 415) and Muslim likewise (1/155–156), and al-Bukhārī cited it as evidence in this chapter.