I say: This chain is good as corroborative evidence. All its narrators are reliable except Layth—namely, Ibn Abi Sulaym—who is weak because he became confused in his later years.

“Yudarridunī” means: “It causes my teeth to fall out.”

1557 — “Walk ahead of me, and leave the space behind me for the angels.”

Abu Nuʿaym recorded it in al-Hilyah (7/117) through ʿAbd al-ʿAziz ibn Aban, who reported to us from Sufyan, from al-Aswad ibn Qays al-ʿAbdi, from Nubayh Abu ʿAmr, from Jabir, who said: The Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, went out and said to his Companions the words cited above. He said: “This is the only report from Sufyan al-Thawri that I have recorded with a high chain, and it is only through this route.”

I say: This Ibn Aban is abandoned. Ibn Maʿin and others declared him a liar, as stated in al-Taqrib.

However, the wording of its text has been contradicted. Qabisah ibn ʿUqbah said: Sufyan reported to us from him with the wording: “Whenever the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, left his house, we would walk ahead of him and leave the space behind him for the angels.” Al-Hakim recorded it (4/281).

I say: Qabisah ibn ʿUqbah is truthful, though he would sometimes differ, as stated in al-Taqrib. Al-Bukhari and Muslim relied on him; thus, the chain is authentic. Wakiʿ also corroborated him in reporting it from Sufyan. Ibn Hibban recorded it (2099).

Abu ʿAwanah also corroborated him, reporting to us from al-Aswad ibn Qays with a fuller version, in the account of Jabir, may Allah be pleased with him, preparing food for the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him. He said: