Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, asked Abu'l-Haytham: "Do you have a servant?" "No," he replied. He said, "Come to us when we get some captives." The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, was brought only two captives. Abu'l-Haytham came to him and the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Choose between them." "Choose for me, Messenger of Allah," he replied. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "The person who is consulted is in a position of trust. Take this one. I have seen him pray. Treat him well." Abu'l-Haytham's wife said, "You will not live up to the words of the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, about him until you set him free." "He is free," he stated. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Allah did not send a Prophet or khalifa but that he has two confidants: a confidant who commands him to do what is correct and forbids what is bad, and a confidant who will not fall short in corrupting you. Anyone who is protected from the evil confidant has been protected."

Abu Hurayra reported that the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said, "Anyone who attributes words to me which I did not say should take his seat in the Fire. Anyone who gives his Muslim brother misguided advice when they consult him has betrayed them. If anyone gives a fatwa which is not firm, the wrong action of that rests on the one who gave the fatwa."

'Amir ibn Dinar said, "Ibn 'Abbas recited (this ayat), 'Consult with them about the matter.' (3:159)"

Al-Hasan said, "People never seek advice without being guided to the best possibility available to them." Then he recited, "and manage their affairs by mutual consultation." (42:38)