It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Hurairah (may Allah be pleased with him), who reports from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) that he said: "A man set out to visit a brother of his in another town. Allah Almighty appointed an angel on his way. The angel asked: 'Where are you going?' The man replied: 'There is a brother of mine in that town (I intend to meet him).' The angel asked: 'Are you going to meet him because of any favor he has done for you?' He said: 'No, I only love him for the sake of Allah (and that is why I am going to meet him).' The angel said: 'I have been sent to you as a messenger from Allah Almighty to inform you that Allah loves you just as you have loved that person.'"
Hadith Referenceالادب المفرد / كتاب الزيارة / 350
Hadith Gradingالألبانی:صحيح
Hadith Takhrij«صحيح : أخرجه مسلم ، كتاب البر و الصلة : 38 ، 2567 - انظر الصحيحة : 1044»