It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Umamah (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said: The Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) came while he had two slaves with him. From among them, he (peace be upon him) gave one to Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) and advised: "Do not beat him, for I have been forbidden from beating praying (Muslim) slaves, and since he has come to us, I have seen him performing prayer." And one slave was given to Sayyiduna Abu Dharr (may Allah be pleased with him), and he (peace be upon him) thus advised: "Accept my counsel of goodness regarding him." So he freed him. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) inquired: "What did you do with that slave?" He replied: "You commanded me to accept your counsel of good treatment regarding him, so I set him free."