Silsilat al-Ahadith al-Sahihah

Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him) reports that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) asked Abu Haytham: “Do you have a servant?” He replied: “No.” The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “When captives come to us, come (and we will give you a servant).” Two captives were brought to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him); there was no third. Abu Haytham also came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said to him: “Choose one.” He said: “O Messenger of Allah! You choose for me.” The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “A person is only consulted when he is considered trustworthy. (If you have trusted me, then I will decide that) take this slave, for I have seen him performing prayer. (Now I advise you) treat him well.” (Abu Haytham took the slave home.) His wife said to him that acting upon the advice of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is only possible if you set him free. He said: “He is free.” The Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) said: “Allah Almighty has not sent any prophet or caliph except that he had two close advisors: one who commands him to do good and forbids him from evil, and the other who spares no effort in leading him astray. Whoever is saved from the evil confidant is protected.”