Chapter: Encouraging the ruler, judge, and other office-holders to appoint a righteous adviser, and warning them against evil companions and heeding their counsel

Allah, the Most High, says: “Close friends will, on that Day, become enemies to one another, except for the God-fearing” (Q 43:67).

678 – Abu Saʿid and Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with them) reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “Allah has never sent a prophet nor installed a caliph without granting him two entourages: one that commands him to do good and urges him toward it, and another that commands him to do evil and urges him toward it. Safe is the one whom Allah keeps safe.” Reported by al-Bukhari.

679 – ʿAʾishah (may Allah be pleased with her) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: “When Allah intends good for a ruler, He appoints for him a truthful minister: if the ruler forgets, the minister reminds him, and if he remembers, the minister supports him. But when Allah intends otherwise, He appoints for him a corrupt minister: if the ruler forgets, the minister does not remind him, and if he remembers, the minister does not aid him.” Reported by Abu Dawud with a sound chain that meets Muslim’s criteria.