Authenticity of the Hadith: Allah Marvels at a Young Man Who Has No Youthful Lapses

Question

How authentic is the hadith which says, 'Allah marvels at a young man who has no youthful lapses'? I would also like an explanation of the approximate age at which youth begins and ends.

Answer (English translation)

Answer: This hadith is well known, but I do not know the condition of its chain of transmission at present: 'Allah marvels at a young man who has no youthful lapses.' This means that he does not engage in the conduct of boys, or in the sins and misdeeds into which young people fall at the beginning of their lives. From the time he grew up, he has worshipped and obeyed Allah. He has had no youthful lapses, no periods in which his youth led him away from guidance. He is therefore someone at whom Allah marvels.

However, I do not presently know the condition of the hadith, whether its chain of transmission is sound or not. It is well known and familiar, but I do not know the condition of its chain at present. Perhaps I will examine it, Allah willing, and explain it next Friday, Allah willing.

Question: When does the period of youth begin, and when does it end?

Answer: What appears to be meant here is the beginning of youth: adolescence and then puberty, meaning the early years of a person's life at adolescence and afterwards.