Bukhari and Muslim), but they did not collect it.

Bukhari and Muslim), but they did not collect it.”[^36] Following this hadith , al-Neyshaburi states, “This is a hadith which can be authenticated in many ways, and I am surprised why these two did not narrate it.” ^37 Dhahabi says, “This hadith is authentic [ sahih ].” ^38 Al-Tirmidhi says, “This hadith is noble and sound [ hasan ] but has been isolated and abandoned [ gharib ].”[^39] Al-Tirmidhi also narrated this hadith on a different chain of transmission and adds a footnote at the end saying, “This hadith is sound and correct*.*”[^40] Al-Albani has approved the authentication done by al-Tirmidhi.

He says, “The truth of the matter is what has been reported by al-Tirmidhi.”[^41] Al-Tirmidhi says, “The chains of transmission of this hadith are authentic and the people mentioned in the line of transmission are all truthful according to the distinguished and upheld standards of narrating; in addition, Maysarah ibn Habib (one of the narrators of this hadith ) is well known for his trustworthiness.” Al-Albani has also assented to the authentication done by Hakim and Dhahabi.[^42] Haythami, in his book entitled, “ Majma‘ al-Zawa’id ”, assents to the authenticity of the above mentioned hadith through the line of transmission of Abu Sa‘id al-Khudri.[^43] Mustafa ibn ‘Aduwwi.[^44] Huwayni Athari in his book entitled, “ Khasa’is Amir al-Mu’minin (as) ” has approved and assented to the authenticity of this hadith .[^45] Al-Dani ibn Munir Al Zahawi.[^46] Hamzah Ahmad al-Zayn, the renowned and celebrated researcher of the book entitled, “ Musnad Ahmad ” has categorized this hadith as authentic.[^47] Ibn Hibban has reported this hadith in his “ Al-Sahih ”.[^48] This hadith has been recounted through so many chains of transmission that Suyuti and Sam‘ani consider it to be consecutive [ mutawatir ].[^49] Alterations and Distortions This hadith is strong evidence to prove the rightful rank of Imam al-Hasan (as) and Imam al-Husayn (as).

It proves beyond doubt that they belong to Paradise. This fact puts them in an enviable and exceptional position above the rest of the Holy Prophet’s (S) companions. It is for this reason that some have sought to remedy this situation in order to preserve the positions of their leaders and not fall behind these two. Because of this, they have engaged in activities to change, alter and even distort the nature of this hadith .