—he was one of the Prophet’s Companions—and the report is traced back to the Prophet. Al-Ḥākim declared it “sound,” al-Dhahabī concurred, and that is indeed the correct ruling.

49 – “When Allah created Adam, He struck his right shoulder and there came forth from it white offspring who looked like tiny ants. Then He struck his left shoulder and there came forth from it black offspring, as dark as burnt charcoal. He said to those on his right, ‘To Paradise, and I do not mind,’ and to those on his left, ‘To the Fire, and I do not mind.’”

Narrated by Aḥmad and his son in the supplement to the Musnad (6/441) and by Ibn ʿAsākir in Tārīkh Dimashq (15/136/1). I say: its isnād is sound.

50 – “Indeed, Allah took a handful with His right hand and said, ‘These are for this, and I do not mind.’ Then He took another handful—meaning with His other hand—and said, ‘These are for this, and I do not mind.’”

Narrated by Aḥmad (55/68) from Abū Naḍrah, who said: “A man from the Companions of the Messenger of Allah fell ill, so his companions visited him. He wept, and they said to him, ‘What makes you weep, O servant of Allah? Did not the Messenger of Allah—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—say to you, “Trim your moustache …”’”