Is this narration authentic, and why did Ibn Hajar grade it as good, and how did the gift not reach the Negus despite the Prophet's marriage having been in the fourth year and the Negus's death in the ninth year, and does this tradition indicate the Prophet's preference for Umm Salama over Aisha, may Allah be pleased with them both?

The hadith (definition) was narrated by Imam Ahmad and others, from Muslim ibn Khalid Al-Zanji, from Musa ibn Uqbah, from his mother, from Umm Kulthum bint Abi Salamah, that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said to Umm Salamah when he married her: "I have sent a garment and several ounces of musk as a gift to the Negus, and I do not think the Negus is still alive. I do not expect my gift to be returned to me; but if it is returned, it is yours."

Al-Hafiz Ibn Hajar graded it hasan (definition) (good), while others, such as Al-Hafiz Al-Dhahabi and Sheikh Al-Albani, deemed it da'if (weak). This is due to Muslim ibn Khalid Al-Zanji being the sole narrator of it, and he was known for many errors, as well as the unknown status of Musa ibn Uqbah's mother. Therefore, the chain of narration for this report is weak.