It is narrated from Abu Juhaifah that I considered Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) to be the most virtuous of all people after the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). . . . . . I said: No, by Allah, O Commander of the Faithful! I do not think that there is anyone among the Muslims more virtuous than you after the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). He said: Shall I not tell you who is the most virtuous person in this Ummah after the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him)? I said: Why not. He said: He is Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him). And shall I tell you who is the best person in this Ummah after Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him)? I said: Why not. He said: He is Umar al-Farooq (may Allah be pleased with him).
Hadith Referenceمسند احمد / مسند الخلفاء الراشدين / 1054