Shahr bin Hawshab (may Allah have mercy on him) said: When Egypt was conquered, (the people of Egypt) reviled the people of Syria. So Sayyiduna Awf bin Malik (may Allah be pleased with him) put his head out from behind a shield and said: O people of Egypt, I am Awf bin Malik. Do not revile the people of Syria, for I heard the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) say: "Among them are the Abdal (righteous servants), and because of them you are helped, and because of them you are given provision."
Hadith Referenceالمعجم الكبير للطبراني / باب العين / 15211