Tirmidhi

Urdu Footnote:
Note:
(In the chain of narration, Harith al-A'war is a weak narrator, but due to supporting narrations and corroborations, this hadith is authentic.)

Commentary:
Note:
(In the chain of narration, "Ali ibn al-Husayn Zayn al-Abidin" did not meet or hear from his grandfather "Ali" radi Allahu anhu, but based on corroborating evidence, this hadith is authentic.)

Commentary:

➊
Our esteemed researcher has declared this narration weak in its chain of transmission. In his investigation of this narration, he writes that there are some routes with a Hasan (good) grade that support certain words of this narration. In addition, Shaykh al-Albani rahimahullah has also declared it authentic. See: (al-Silsilah al-Sahihah, Hadith: 824).
Therefore, it is evident that although this narration is weak in its chain, it is acceptable as evidence due to other supporting narrations.

➋
By "middle-aged people of Paradise" is meant those who died at that age; otherwise, there will be no difference of ages in Paradise. Rather, all people will enjoy everlasting youth.

➌
From this, it is also understood that no non-prophet, no matter how high his rank, can be equal to or superior than a prophet.

➍
It is explicitly stated in this that Abu Bakr and Umar radi Allahu anhuma are the most virtuous after the prophets alayhimus salam, meaning they are superior to all the believers of the Ummah of Muhammad and the previous communities.

➎
There is an indication in this that these two personalities are deserving of the caliphate after the Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam.
Since they will be the leaders of the people of Paradise, they should also be the leaders of the believers in this world.

➏
The Prophet sallallahu alayhi wa sallam did not convey this news directly to the two Shaykhs radi Allahu anhuma so that pride would not enter their hearts, because non-prophets are not infallible.