“Authentic according to Muslim’s criteria.” Al-Dhahabi agreed with him. I say: It is as they both said.

Abu al-Shaykh also reported it in Akhlaq al-Nabi (p. 52), in abbreviated form and with the wording of the heading, but without the words, “or remained silent,” through Ibn al-Mubarak, from Hammad ibn Salamah, with the same chain. Muslim (7/74–75) likewise reported it through Yazid ibn Harun, from Hammad, with similar wording. Muslim and al-Bayhaqi (1/243) also reported it through Musa ibn Anas, from his father, who said: “The Messenger of Allah was never asked for anything for the sake of Islam without giving it.” Abu al-Shaykh then reported similar narrations from Jabir, Aishah, and Abu Usayd.

Al-Tayalisi (no. 2437 in its arrangement), al-Darimi (1/34), Muslim, and Ibn Sad (1/368) reported it from Jabir; al-Darimi also reported it from Sahl ibn Sad; and Ahmad (3/497) from Abu Usayd.

Ibn Sad reported with a good chain from Muhammad ibn al-Hanafiyyah, who said: “The Messenger of Allah would scarcely ever say ‘no’ to anything. Whenever he was asked for something, if he wished to do it, he would say ‘yes’; but if he did not wish to do it, he would remain silent. This became understood from him.” I say: This is an authentic mursal report and a strong corroborating witness for the hadith in the heading.

Al-Tabarani gave it with a connected chain in a lengthy hadith from Ali, may Allah be pleased with him. Al-Haythami said in Majma al-Zawaid (9/13): “It contains Muhammad ibn Kathir al-Kufi, who is weak.” Al-Tabarani also narrated it in al-Kabir (1/13/2) from Sulayman ibn Ayyub, who said: “My father narrated to me”