Ahmad said: “I do not know him. Similar words have been narrated from Abu al-Darda’, from the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, through a chain of transmission resembling this one in weakness.” Al-Hafiz said in al-Taqrib: “Unknown.” As for al-Tirmidhi, he said: “A good, singular hadith.” I say: This is part of the leniency for which he is known. Had he said only, “Good,” it would have been acceptable, since this would mean that it is good on account of supporting reports; and this is borne out by the chains that follow.
- As for the hadith of Abu al-Darda’, it is narrated by Abdullah ibn Hani ibn Abd al-Rahman ibn Abi Ablah, Abu Amr, who said: My father informed us, from Ibrahim ibn Abi Ablah, from Umm al-Darda’, from Abu al-Darda’, attributed to the Prophet with this wording. Some versions narrated from him add: “O son of Jaʿsham! Of it, what suffices you is that which satisfies your hunger and covers your nakedness. If it is a garment that covers you, then that is sufficient; and if it is a mount that you ride, then excellent! A piece of bread and water from a jar; whatever is beyond that will be reckoned against you.”
It was transmitted by Ibn Hibban (2507), Abu Nuʿaym in al-Hilyah (5/249), al-Khatib (6/166), and Ibn Asakir in al-Tarikh (2/268/2, 19/280/1); Ibn Asakir’s version contains the additional wording. I say: This is a very weak chain of transmission. Concerning Abdullah ibn Hani, al-Dhahabi said: “Accused of lying.” Abu Hatim said: “Muhammad ibn Abdullah ibn Makhlad al-Harawi narrated from him false hadiths. I came to al-Ramlah, and I was told that he was in one of the villages. I asked about him, and was told: ‘He is a shaykh who tells lies.’ So I did not go to see him.”