Al-Hākim transmitted it (4/91) and said, “Its chain of transmission is authentic.” Al-Dhahabī concurred with him. However, it is only sound, because its chain includes Āsim ibn Bahdalah, who was criticized for his memory; his hadith is therefore sound.

174 – (Abū Dharr reported: I said, “O Messenger of Allah, will you not appoint me?”—that is, to an office. He said: He struck me on the shoulder with his hand, then said, “O Abū Dharr, you are weak, and it is a trust. On the Day of Resurrection, it will bring disgrace and regret, except for one who assumes it rightfully and fulfills the duties it entails.” Muslim.) p. 139

Authentic. Muslim (6/6) transmitted it, as did Ahmad (5/173), from him. It also has two other routes from him in al-Mustadrak (4/92). Al-Hākim graded it authentic, and al-Dhahabī concurred with him.

175 – (He, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Judges are of three kinds: one will be in Paradise and two will be in the Fire. The one in Paradise is a man who knew the truth and judged accordingly. A man who knew the truth but judged unjustly will be in the Fire, and a man who judged between people out of ignorance will be in the Fire.” Abū Dāwūd, al-Tirmidhī, and Ibn Mājah.) p. 140

Authentic. It is narrated from Burayda ibn al-Husayb through three routes, which I traced in al-Irwā (2603).

176 – (Anas reported that he, peace and blessings be upon him, said: “Whoever seeks judicial office and enlists intercessors to obtain it will be left to himself; but whoever is compelled to accept it, Allah will send down an angel to guide him aright.” Abū Dāwūd and al-Tirmidhī.) p. 140