“O Allah, forgive me and join me with the Highest Companionship.” She said: “These were the last words of his—peace and blessings be upon him—that I heard.”

Abu Bakr ibn Abi Shaybah recorded it in his Musannaf (8/1/45–46), saying: Abu Mu‘awiyah narrated to us, from al-A‘mash, from Muslim, from Masruq, from Aishah, who said: … I say: This is an authentic chain of transmission meeting the criteria of the two Shaykhs, and both of them recorded it, as will follow. Muslim (7/15) and Ibn Majah (1619) also recorded it through Ibn Abi Shaybah. Abu Kurayb corroborated him in Muslim. Both of them were corroborated by Imam Ahmad (6/45), who said: Abu Mu‘awiyah narrated to us likewise; the second addition is found in his version. Muslim is Ibn Subayh, Abu al-Duha.

Sufyan also corroborated al-A‘mash, omitting the words, “When he became seriously ill,” and narrating it with the wording: “He would recite words of protection over some of his family, wiping them with his right hand and saying…” He then mentioned it. It includes the first addition. It was recorded by al-Bukhari (5743 and 5750), Muslim, al-Nasa’i in Amal al-Yawm wa al-Laylah (1010), and Ahmad (6/44 and 127). In one narration, Ahmad said: “…then he said: ‘Remove the affliction…’ the hadith.” Shu‘bah also narrated it from al-A‘mash likewise. It was recorded by Muslim, al-Tayalisi (1404), and Ahmad (6/45 and 126). Jarir also corroborated him, narrating it from al-A‘mash like Sufyan’s second version in Ahmad. Muslim recorded it. Hushaym also corroborated him.