In all three of his narrations, it reads: “I asked Aisha ...,” thus explicitly establishing that he heard it from her. This is the version recorded by Ibn Abi Shaybah. Ibn Hibban said: “Abu Nawfal was named Mu'awiyah ibn Muslim ibn Abi Aqrab, and he was from Basra.”

Regarding this hadith, al-Haythami said in Majma al-Zawa'id (8/119): “Ahmad narrated it, and its narrators are those of the Sahih.”

I say: In his version, it appears as, “Aisha was asked,” in the passive voice. This is perhaps a typographical error or an error by one of the copyists, for it contradicts what appears in all three places in the Musnad.

This hadith also has a supporting report from Qatadah concerning the verse: “We did not teach him poetry, nor is it fitting for him.” He said: Aisha was asked, “Did the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, ever quote any poetry?” She replied: “Poetry was the form of speech he disliked most. Yet he would quote a line by the brother of Banu Qays, placing its end first and its beginning last.” Abu Bakr said to him, “It is not like that.” So the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “By Allah, I am not a poet, nor is it fitting for me to be one.”

Ibn Jarir al-Tabari recorded it in his exegesis (23/19) through an authentic chain from Qatadah. However, Qatadah did not hear from Aisha, as Abu Hatim stated; thus, it is a mursal report with an interrupted chain. Nevertheless, as supporting evidence, it is acceptable. *

3096—(“O assembly of the Ansar! May Allah reward you well—or: with the finest reward—for, to the best of my knowledge, you are self-restrained and patient. After me, you will witness favoritism in the distribution and in authority; so remain patient until you meet me at the Pool.”)

Ibn Hibban recorded it in his Sahih (7277—al-Ihsan), and al-Hakim (4/79),