Al-Matalib al-'Aliyah 2098 — The disapproval of leadership for one

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Umar bin al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) that he intended to appoint a man from among the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) to some public office, but the man disliked it. At this Sayyiduna Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) became angry and said: "Indeed, for this affair (of the caliphate and the running of government) in which we are engaged, it is indispensable to have helpers." When the man saw this, he agreed and said: "Let me go to my family and give them the necessary instructions, then I will come back." He said: "Very well." When he left, his paternal uncle met him and said: "I order you not to accept this office." He asked: "Then what about his order?" The uncle said: "Go back, and I will come with you. When he sees you, he will surely ask: 'Have you not gone yet?' Then say: 'O Commander of the Believers! I seek what is best for myself from you (so that you yourself decide what is better for me).'" He did so, and Sayyiduna Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) asked: "Who stopped you?" He named his uncle. Then Sayyiduna Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: "Know well! I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) say" (and he (peace and blessings be upon him) intended to appoint a man over some responsibility of the Muslims) "and the man said: 'O Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him)! I seek from you the best choice for myself.' The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: 'Then I choose for you that you stay seated (without taking office), for whoever is made commander over ten people will be brought before Allah Almighty on the Day of Resurrection with his hands bound to his neck, until his (just and equitable) deeds alone release him from it.'" At that time Sayyiduna Umar bin al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) was reclining; on hearing this he sat up straight and began calling out again and again: "Which deed is it that will release him from it (the burden of command)?"
Ishaq narrated this from Abu Nu'aym al-Mula'i, he from Badr bin Uthman, he from Abu Bakr bin Hafs, he from Sa'd, and he from Sayyiduna Umar bin al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him).