do things that the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) disapproved of. Indeed, on one occasion he raised his hands toward heaven and said, “O Allah, I disavow before You what Khālid has done” (1), after sending him to Jadhīmah (2). Khālid killed them and seized their property because of a certain misunderstanding, although this had not been sanctioned. Some of the Companions who were (3) with him objected to what he had done, and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) ultimately paid their blood money and made good their property losses. Despite this, he continued to give Khālid precedence in military command because he was better suited to this field than others, and what he had done was based on an interpretive judgment.

Abū Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him) was more exemplary than Khālid in trustworthiness and truthfulness. Nevertheless, the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to him, “O Abū Dharr, I consider you weak, and I desire for you what I desire for myself. Never assume authority over even two people, and never take charge of an orphan’s property.” Narrated by Muslim (4). He forbade Abū Dharr from assuming command or holding authority because he considered him weak, even though it has been narrated: “Never has the sky shaded, nor the earth borne, anyone more truthful in speech than Abū Dharr” (5).