Abu Huraira reported God’s messenger as saying, “If anyone is
given a legal decision ignorantly, the sin rests on the one who gave it;
and if anyone advises his brother, knowing that right guidance lies in
another direction, he has deceived him.” Abu Dawud transmitted it.
‘Auf b. Malik al-Ashja‘i reported God’s messenger as saying, "Only
a ruler, or one put in charge, or one who is presumptuous gives instruction."*
Abu Dawud transmitted it, and Darimi transmitted it from ' Amr b. Shu'aib from his father from his grandfather. A version has, "Or a hypocrite” instead of "one who is presumptuous”.
*The word used here is yaqussu, which may be translated as given above, but which may also
be translated as “inflicts punishment.”
