Sahih Adab al-Mufrad

It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), he said that the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said to Abu’l-Haytham: “Do you have a servant?” He replied, “No.” The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “When captives are brought to us, come as well.” Two captives were brought to the Prophet (peace be upon him), and there was no third with them. At that time, Abu’l-Haytham also came. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said to him: “Choose one of these two.” He replied, “O Messenger of Allah! You choose for me.” The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “The one who is consulted is a trustee. Take this one, for I have seen him performing prayer, and accept my advice to treat him well.” Abu’l-Haytham’s wife said: “You will not be able to keep him as well as the Messenger (peace be upon him) has advised, unless you set him free.” Abu’l-Haytham said: “Then he is free.” Upon this, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “Allah has not sent any prophet or his successor except that he had two types of confidants: one confidant who commands him to do good and forbids him from evil, and others who do not fall short in trying to harm him. And whoever is protected from the evil confidants has truly been protected.”