Silsilat al-Ahadith al-Sahihah

Yazid bin Muhallab says: When I became the governor of Khurasan, I said: Take me to a man who is most excellently endowed with the qualities of goodness. So I was brought to Abu Burdah bin Abu Musa Ash'ari. When I saw him, I found him outstanding, and when I spoke to him, I found his inner self superior to his outward appearance. I said: I appoint you as the leader of such-and-such duty. He tried to excuse himself, but I refused to accept his excuse. He said: O Amir! Shall I not narrate to you a hadith which my father heard from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him)? I said: Please narrate. He said: My father heard the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) say: "Whoever takes responsibility for a task for which he is not qualified, let him prepare his abode in Hell." O Amir! I testify that I am not qualified for the responsibility you wish to assign to me. I said to him: All this conversation of yours has made me even more eager and desirous to assign this position to you, so go and take up this responsibility; now I will not excuse you. Hearing this, he went and stayed there for some time (and continued to fulfill his responsibilities). One day, he sought permission to come to Amir Yazid. When permission was granted, he came and said: O Amir! Shall I not narrate to you a hadith which my father narrated to me from the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him)? He said: Please narrate. Abu Burdah said: That hadith is: "Cursed is the person who asks by the name of Allah, and cursed is the one who is asked by the name of Allah and does not give to the one who asks, except if he asks for something improper." Now, I ask you by the name of Allah, O Amir! Accept my excuse regarding this position. So he accepted his excuse.