Muslim also recorded it through Sufyan, from Abu al-Zubayr, from Jabir, with an ambiguous “from” transmission. Abu al-Zubayr was known to practise tadlis (concealing a defect in the chain), and his hadith is not accepted as proof unless he explicitly states that he heard it directly. He did explicitly state this in Ibn Jurayj’s narration, which is an important benefit and the reason I have cited it here.

Furthermore, Abu al-Zubayr has a corroborating narrator, and his hadith has a supporting report. I have cited all of this in Irwa' al-Ghalil, no. 2030, so there is no need to repeat it here.

This hadith contains a fine and obligatory etiquette of eating: licking the fingers and wiping the dish with them. Most Muslims today have neglected this, influenced by the customs of unbelieving Europe and its manners, which are founded upon materialism, failing to acknowledge its Creator, and failing to thank Him for His blessings. So let the Muslim beware of imitating them in this, lest he become one of them, in accordance with the Prophet’s saying, peace and blessings be upon him:

“... Whoever imitates a people is one of them.”

I described it as “obligatory” only because the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, commanded it and forbade neglecting it.

So be a believer who obeys his command, peace and blessings be upon him, and refrains from what he forbade. Pay no heed to the mockers who turn people away from the path of Allah, whether they realize it or not.

392 — “It is more conducive to blessing.” That is, food whose heat has subsided.

Al-Darimi (2/100), Ibn Hibban (1344), al-Hakim (4/118), Ibn Abi al-Dunya in al-Ju' (14/2), and al-Bayhaqi (7/280) recorded it through Qurrah ibn Abd al-Rahman, from Ibn Shihab, from Urwah ibn al-Zubayr, from Asma bint Abu Bakr:

Whenever she prepared tharid (crumbled bread soaked in broth), she would cover it for a while until its heat had subsided, then say: “I heard the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, say...” Then she mentioned it.

Al-Hakim said: “Authentic according to Muslim’s criteria.” Al-Dhahabi agreed with him!