Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Abbas (may Allah be pleased with them both) narrates: A bird was brought to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), and he said: "O Allah, bring me the most beloved person of Your creation to You." Then Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) came, and the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "O Allah, (he is the most beloved) to me as well (meaning Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him))."
Al-Tabarani recorded this narration. Its chain contains a narrator, Muhammad bin Sa'id, a shaykh from whom Sulayman bin Qarm narrates, and I do not know him. The rest of its narrators have been declared trustworthy, and there is weakness in them.
Hadith Referenceمجمع الزوائد ومنبع الفوائد / كتاب المناقب / 14728
Hadith Gradingمحدثین:إسنادہ ضعیف
Hadith Takhrij«أخرجه المعجم الكبير للطبراني برقم: 10667»