Thus, someone like him may be cited as supporting evidence, and his hadith may be deemed sound in corroborating reports, at the very least. And Allah knows best.

(Note:) Ibn Abī Ḥakīm: this is how the name appears in al-Mustadrak in this hadith and another one that follows it. In al-Jarḥ and al-Thiqāt, however, it appears as “Ibn Abī Ḥakīmah,” and that is perhaps the correct form. And Allah knows best.

3989—“The best slaves are those most costly in price—or, in one narration, the most expensive—and most precious to their owners.”

It was narrated by al-Bukhārī (2518), Muslim (1/62), Abū ʿAwānah (1/62), Ibn Ḥibbān (1/183/152 and 7/58/4577), al-Nasāʾī in al-Sunan al-Kubrā (3/172/4894 and 4895), Ibn Mājah (2/19), and Aḥmad (5/150 and 171), all through Hishām ibn ʿUrwah, from his father, from Abū Marāwiḥ, from Abū Dharr—may Allah be pleased with him—who said:

I asked the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—which deed was best. He said:

“Faith in Allah and jihad in His cause.”

I said, “Then which slaves are best?” He said:

“Those most costly in price and most precious to their owners.”

I said, “And if I cannot do that?” He said:

“You help someone in need, or do work for one who is incapable.”

He said, “And if I cannot do that?” He said:

“Refrain from harming people, for that is a charity you give on your own behalf.”

But Mālik differed in al-Muwaṭṭaʾ (3/7–8), narrating: from Hishām ibn ʿUrwah, from his father, from Aisha, the Prophet’s wife—peace and blessings be upon him: