Riyad as-Salihin #1890
The Book of Miscellany
The Arabic includes the chain of narration (sanad) and the collector's commentary; the English translation shows the Prophet's words only.
وعن أبى سعيد عبد الرحمن بن سمرة رضي الله عنه ، قال: قال رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم ، "يا عبد الرحمن بن سمرة: لا تسأل الإمارة، فإنك إن أعطيتها عن غير مسألة أعنت عليها، وإن أعطيتها عن مسألةٍ وكلت إليها، وإذا حلفت على يمين ، فرأيت غيرها خيراً منها، فأت الذى هو خير ، وكفر عن يمينك” ((متفق عليه)) .
'Abdur-Rahman bin Samurah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported: The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said to me, "Do not ask for position of authority. If you are granted this position without asking for it, you will be helped (by Allah) in discharging its responsibilities; but if you are given it as a result of your request, you will be left alone as its captive. If you take an oath to do something and then find a better alternative, you should adopt the latter and expiate for your oath.".
Narrated by 'Abdur-Rahman bin Samurah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:
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About Riyad as-Salihin
This hadith is #1890 from Riyad as-Salihin, in the Book of The Book of Miscellany and narrated by 'Abdur-Rahman bin Samurah (May Allah be pleased with him) reported:.