Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah

Hazrat Aamir narrates that Hazrat Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) said: Hazrat Abbas said to me: O my son! I see that the Commander of the Faithful draws you close to himself, and seeks your counsel along with the companions of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), and confides in you in private. So, on my behalf, remember three things: Beware that they do not test you with falsehood, never ever disclose their secrets, and never backbite anyone in their presence. The narrator says, I said to Hazrat Ibn Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both): Each one of these is better than a thousand. He replied: Rather, it is better than ten thousand.

Hazrat Muhammad bin Shihab narrates that Hazrat Umar said: Do not pursue that which does not benefit you, and beware of your enemy, and also beware of your friend except for a trustworthy person. For nothing among the people can equal a trustworthy person, and do not keep the company of an evildoer, for he will teach you some of his evil, and do not disclose any of your secrets before him, and in your affairs, seek counsel from those who fear Allah Almighty.

Ayyub narrates that Hazrat Abu Qilabah said: Do not tell your matter to a person who knows nothing about it. Because one who knows nothing about this matter will cause harm, and at the very least, will not bring any benefit.

Hazrat Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) narrates that I was with some children when the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) passed by us and he greeted us with salam. Then the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) sent me for some task and sat in the shade of a wall until I returned to him. I informed him about that task. Then when I came to Hazrat Umm Sulaym, she asked: What kept you today? I said that the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) had sent me for some task. She asked: What was the task? I said: Indeed, it is the secret of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). She said: Guard the secret of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him). Hazrat Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) says: I did not tell anyone about it.