Sahih al-Bukhari, Volume 5, Book 59, Hadith 744 (USC-MSA) ⓘ

Narrated Salim's father: The Prophet appointed Usama as the commander of the troops (to be sent to Syria). The Muslims spoke about Usama (unfavorably ). The Prophet said, " I have been informed that you spoke about Usama. (Let it be known that ) he is the most beloved of all people to me."

حَدَّثَنَا أَبُو عَاصِمٍ الضَّحَّاكُ بْنُ مَخْلَدٍ، عَنِ الْفُضَيْلِ بْنِ سُلَيْمَانَ، حَدَّثَنَا مُوسَى بْنُ عُقْبَةَ، عَنْ سَالِمٍ، عَنْ أَبِيهِ، اسْتَعْمَلَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم أُسَامَةَ ـ فَقَالُوا فِيهِ ـ فَقَالَ النَّبِيُّ صلى الله عليه وسلم ‏ "‏ قَدْ بَلَغَنِي أَنَّكُمْ قُلْتُمْ فِي أُسَامَةَ، وَإِنَّهُ أَحَبُّ النَّاسِ إِلَىَّ ‏" ‏‏.‏