Majma al-Zawaid — Hadith 13823

Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Umar (may Allah be pleased with them both) states: We were sitting in the courtyard of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) when a woman passed by. One of those present said: "This is the daughter of Sayyiduna Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him)." Then a man among those present said: "The example of Sayyiduna Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) among Banu Hashim is like that of a sweet basil (rayhanah) plant in the midst of filth." The woman went and told the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) about this. The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) came, and signs of anger were evident on his (peace and blessings be upon him) face. Then the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) stood before those people and said: "What is the matter with these sayings that have reached me from some people? Indeed, Allah Almighty created seven heavens and chose the uppermost of them, then He settled in those heavens whomever He willed of His creation. He created seven earths and chose the uppermost (earth), and settled in it whomever of His creation He willed. He created creation, and from all creation He chose the children of Adam; from the children of Adam He chose the Arabs; from the Arabs He chose the tribe of Mudar; from Mudar He chose Quraysh; from Quraysh He chose Banu Hashim; and from Banu Hashim He chose me. So I have passed from the best of people to the best of people. Whoever loves the Arabs will love them because of his love for me, and whoever hates the Arabs will hate them because of his hatred for me."
Al-Tabarani recorded it in al-Mu'jam al-Kabir and al-Mu'jam al-Awsat, but he transmitted these words: "Whoever loves the Arabs loves them out of love for me, and whoever hates the Arabs hates them out of hatred for me." Its chain contains Hammad bin Waqid, who is da'if (weak), but his narration is taken into consideration; the rest of its narrators have been declared trustworthy.