Abu al-Zubayr al-Makki

Abu al-Zubayr Muhammad ibn Muslim al-Makki (died ca. 126–128 AH / 744–746 CE) was a Meccan Tabiun scholar who was one of the primary students and transmitters of Jabir ibn Abd Allah al-Ansari, one of the most prolific Companion narrators. His direct chain from Jabir is among the most frequently cited in the Meccan hadith tradition.

He was a mawla (client) of the Asad clan and lived and taught in Mecca throughout his scholarly career. He narrated not only from Jabir but also from Ibn Abbas, Ibn Umar, Aisha, and other senior Companions who came to Mecca for pilgrimage. His position in the holy city gave him access to virtually all the major scholars of his era.

Some hadith critics raised questions about certain of his narrations, particularly those transmitted by Layth ibn Sa'd from him, which Layth himself described as "from Abu al-Zubayr, what he did not specify he had heard directly." This nuance — distinguishing between narrations he heard directly and those he transmitted without specifying direct hearing — is discussed in the rijal (narrator criticism) literature and led some scholars to grade certain of his narrations more cautiously.

Despite these technical discussions, he remains one of the important transmitters of the Meccan tradition. His narrations from Jabir ibn Abd Allah are particularly valued and form a significant portion of the material on Islamic practice in the Sahih collections. He died in Mecca around 126–128 AH.