Al-Ahwas ibn Hakim transmitted—on the authority of Rashid ibn Saʿd—who said:
When ʿUmar was informed that Abu al-Dardaʾ had put up a kanif (latrine) in Hims, he wrote to him:
“O ʿUwaymir! Was what the Romans have already built not enough for you that you now vie in adorning this world—when Allah has decreed its ruin? The moment this letter reaches you, relocate to Damascus.” (1)

Malik related—from Yahya ibn Saʿid—that he said:
Whenever Abu al-Dardaʾ had judged between two people and they turned away, he would look after them and say, “Come back to me and restate your case.” (2)

Maʿmar reported—from al-Aʿmash—from ʿAmr ibn Murrah—from Ibn Abi Layla—who said:
Abu al-Dardaʾ wrote to Maslama ibn Mukhalad: “Peace be upon you. To proceed: when a servant commits an act of disobedience to Allah, Allah comes to hate him; and when Allah hates him, He makes him hated by His servants.” (3)

Abu Waʾil narrated from Abu al-Dardaʾ:
“I command you to do certain things that I myself may not practise, yet I hope Allah will reward me for the counsel.”

Shuʿbah transmitted—from Saʿd ibn Ibrahim—from his father:
ʿUmar said to Ibn Masʿud, Abu Dharr, and Abu al-Dardaʾ, “What is this report you are relating from the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him?”—and, as I understand, he detained them in Medina until he was struck down. (4)