Trusted greatly by Hazrat Umar (ra)
During the Khilafat of Hazrat Umar (ra), Hazrat Muhammad bin Maslamah (ra) was appointed to collect the Zakat from the Juhainah tribe. Whenever a complaint was received by the Khalifa against a collector, Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah would be sent to investigate the matter. Hazrat Umar (ra) trusted Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah greatly and thus would send him for official collections. Hazrat Umar (ra) would also send him to various areas to resolve complex and difficult matters.
When Hazrat Saad (ra) bin Abi Waqas built a fort in Kufa, Hazrat Umar (ra) sent Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah as his representative to investigate. With regard to this incident, the narration is as follows; Hazrat Umar (ra) learnt that Hazrat Saad (ra) bin Abi Waqas had a fort, and constructed a door, which did not allow sound to reach inside. Hence, Hazrat Umar (ra) sent Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah [to investigate]. It was the practice of Hazrat Umar (ra) that whenever he desired to send someone for official work, he would send Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah. Hazrat Umar (ra) instructed Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah that when he reaches Saad’s fort, he ought to burn the door. When he reached Kufa, he went to the door and using flint to light it, he set fire to the door. Hazrat Saad (ra) learnt of this and came outside. Hazrat Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah then explained to him the reason why he set fire to the door.
(Al-Isaba fi Tamyeez Al-Sahaba, Vol. 6, p. 28, Muhammad (ra) bin Maslamah)