- The ḥadith of Ubayy ibn Kaʿb
We have already cited this report through the isnād of Ibn Shihāb from Anas on his authority, and explained that some narrators made an error, changing “Abū Dharr” into “Ubayy ibn Kaʿb.”
Ibn Mardawayh also transmitted—via ʿUbayd ibn ʿUmayr—from Ubayy ibn Kaʿb that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “When I was taken on the Night Journey I saw Paradise, fashioned of a single white pearl. I said, ‘O Gabriel, people will ask me about Paradise.’ He replied, ‘Tell them that its ground is a smooth plain and its soil is musk.’”
Al-Suyūṭī mentioned it in al-Khaṣāʾiṣ 1/392 and, as usual, offered no comment on its grading.
ʿUbayd ibn ʿUmayr al-Laythī is a trustworthy Successor; the scrutiny concerns those below him in the chain.
Ibn Mardawayh also recorded it through the route of Qatādah—from Mujāhid—from Ibn ʿAbbās—from Ubayy ibn Kaʿb, traced back to the Prophet ﷺ, with the wording: “On the night I was taken up I perceived a fragrant scent. I asked, ‘O Gabriel, what is this?’ He said, ‘It is the hairdresser, her husband, and her daughter. While she was combing Pharaoh’s daughter, the comb slipped from her hand and she exclaimed, “Perish Pharaoh.”’”