Muslim bin Makhshi (may Allah have mercy on him) narrates that Ibn al-Firasi informed him that al-Firasi (may Allah be pleased with him) said to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him): O Prophet of Allah! May I ask (people)? He (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "No; but if you have no option except to ask, then ask the righteous."
Hadith Referenceالسنن الكبرى للبيهقي / كتاب الزكاة / 7877