2091 — “The supplication he most frequently made was: ‘O Turner of hearts, keep my heart steadfast upon Your religion.’ He was asked about this, and he replied: ‘There is no human being whose heart is not between two fingers of Allah’s fingers: whomever He wills, He keeps steadfast; and whomever He wills, He causes to deviate.’”

Al-Tirmidhī (3517), Ibn Abī Shaybah in al-Īmān (no. 56—my critical edition), and Aḥmad (6/302, 315) reported it from Shahr ibn Ḥawshab, who said: “I said to Umm Salamah: ‘O Mother of the Believers, what was the supplication that the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, most frequently made when he was with you?’ She said: ...” He then cited it.

Al-Tirmidhī said: “A good hadith.” I say: that is, good because of corroborating reports, and it is as he said—or even stronger—for although this Shahr had a poor memory, this hadith of his has supporting reports that strengthen it. Among them is what al-Ḥasan narrated from ʿĀʾishah, who said: “There were supplications which the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, frequently made ...” He then cited it. Aḥmad reported it (6/91). Its narrators are trustworthy and are among Muslim’s narrators, except that al-Ḥasan—namely, al-Baṣrī—did not hear from ʿĀʾishah.

However, he was supported by ʿAlī ibn Zayd, from Umm Muḥammad, from ʿĀʾishah, with similar wording. Ibn Abī Shaybah reported it (no. 57). ʿAlī ibn Zayd—namely Ibn Judʿān—also had a poor memory. Umm Muḥammad, who was his father’s wife, is unknown. Another supporting report is from al-Nawwās ibn Samʿān al-Kilābī, attributed to the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, with similar wording. Ibn Mājah (1/77) and Aḥmad (4/182) reported it. Its chain of transmission is authentic.