Tirmidhi

Explanation:
1:
That is, the narrator is in doubt whether the number of Arabs was five and the non-Arabs (Ajamis) were four, or it was the opposite.

(1) The relevance of the hadith to the chapter is clear: whoever, in any way, supports and assists a ruler or leader in his oppression, faces this grave warning—that he will be deprived of the honor of coming to the Pond of Kawthar and drinking from the Cup of Kawthar. Therefore, keeping this severe warning in mind, those who, in exchange for presenting their venerable and compassionate, as well as scholarly and erudite, services before oppressive rulers, obtain assembly membership, permits and plots, and other temporary, fleeting, and perishable privileges, and consider these “successes” to be the pinnacle of their skill—those seekers of royal proximity, courtly clerics, and the wearers of robes and turbans—should certainly re-examine their “golden services.” Assisting a ruler or leader in matters of oppression and injustice is a major sin (kabirah).

(2) One should keep a distance from oppressive rulers and unjust leaders so that one’s religion and faith may be preserved from their evil. In the case of closeness to them, either they will receive assistance in their oppression and excesses in some manner, or they will be supported, or else one will be compelled to remain silent and quiet in the face of their oppression and excesses. And in the case of attempting reform, there is the risk of corruption of one’s religion and faith, or the loss of one’s life and wealth. Therefore, safety and well-being lie in staying away from such people. This is why most of the pious predecessors (salaf) used to keep away from rulers, so that they could protect themselves and their religion from their evil.

(3) “Does not affirm them”—that is, if one does go to them, then one should remain firm upon the truth and continue to invite them to the truth. Indeed, this is a lofty station.