What is the explanation of the Hadith: "I would not prefer the world over this verse: (Say, "O My servants who have transgressed against themselves [by sinning], do not despair of the mercy of Allah)" and what is the interpretation of the Prophet's saying, peace be upon him: "Behold, whoever associates partners with Allah" three times, after the question "So who associates partners with Allah?"?

The aforementioned Hadith is weak because its chain of narration includes Ibn Lahia, whose precision and mastery have been debated. Furthermore, his shaykh in this Hadith, Abu Abd al-Rahman al-Jabalani, is unknown in status. The narrations concerning the identification of Abu Abd al-Rahman, the shaykh of Abu Qabil, have also been contradictory. As for the textual issue, the difference between the two phrases "illa man ashraka" (except he who associates partners) and "ala wa man ashraka" (beware, and he who associates partners) might be a textual corruption, as the noble verse "Indeed, Allah does not forgive association with Him, but He forgives what is less than that for whom He wills" indicates that shirk (associating partners with Allah) is not forgiven except through repentance.