31 – ʿAbd Allah narrated to us; he said: Abu Jaʿfar al-Kindi narrated to me; he said: Salm ibn Salim al-Balkhi ⦗41⦘ narrated to me, from Abu Habib al-Mawsili, from Makḥul, who said:

John son of Zechariah and Jesus son of Mary—peace be upon them—once met. Jesus laughed in John’s face and shook his hand. John said, “Cousin, why do I see you laughing, as though you feel completely safe?” Jesus replied, “Cousin, why do I see you frowning, as though you have despaired?” Then Allah, exalted is He, revealed to them both: “The dearest of you to Me is the one who brings the greater cheer to his companion.”