Musannaf Ibn Abi Shaybah 34127 — Reports on Abu Bakr al-Siddiq

Ibn Abi al-Hudhayl (may Allah have mercy on him) said: The Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "There is no one who has been more generous to us with what he possesses than Abu Bakr. And if I were to take anyone as a close friend, I would take Abu Bakr. But he is my brother in religion and my companion, and your companion has indeed been taken as a close friend," meaning himself (peace and blessings be upon him).