16- I say: The ḥadith is sound. Aḥmad recorded it (5/141–142) with a reliable chain that meets Muslim’s criterion. Muslim himself cited it in his Ṣaḥīḥ (2/199) through Abū Bakr ibn Abī Shaybah, though without the latter half of the report. Yet al-Munḏirī said in al-Targhīb (2/221): “Ibn Abī Shaybah related it in his book with a chain on Muslim’s standard and added …,” and he then quoted the addition.

Notice: Ibn al-Qayyim quoted, in Juyūsh (p. 34), the ḥadith of Ibn ʿAbbās just mentioned from Aḥmad with the wording, “upon His kursī (Footstool) or His throne, sitting.” He thus inserted the word “sitting,” which appears neither in Aḥmad’s version nor in any of the other sources we have cited. I therefore deem it a scribal slip, and I know of no authentic ḥadith that affirms the Lord’s sitting, exalted is He.

23- From Abū Hurayrah, may Allah be pleased with him: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Since the moment he was entrusted with it, the angel who holds the Trumpet has not blinked¹; ever prepared, he keeps his gaze fixed toward the Throne, fearing that he may be commanded before his glance returns to him. It is as though his eyes are two glittering stars.” Al-Ḥākim recorded it and declared it authentic.

17- I say: The author concurred with him in his Talkhīṣ (4/559) and added, “on Muslim’s criterion.” That is indeed correct. Abū Shaykh also transmitted it in al-ʿAẓamah (73/1) and produced a supporting narration from Ibn ʿAbbās.

24- From Abū Dharr who said: The Prophet ﷺ asked, “Do you know where the sun sets?” I replied, “Allah and His Messenger know best.” He said, “It travels until it prostrates beneath the Throne before its Lord and seeks permission,” and he mentioned the rest of the narration. Al-Bukhārī recorded it.

25- From Anas: Whenever rain fell, the Messenger of Allah ﷺ would bare² his shoulders so that the rain might reach them, saying, “It has just come from its Lord.” Muslim recorded it.

18- I say: Its wording in Muslim (3/26) is: Anas said, “Rain fell upon us while we were with the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ uncovered part of his garment so that the rain touched him. We said, ‘Messenger of Allah, why did you do that?’ He replied:”