Lady Aisha Siddiqa (may Allah be pleased with her) narrates: The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) appointed a man as the leader of an expedition. He used to recite Surah Ikhlas while leading his companions in prayer. When they returned, they mentioned this to the Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Ask him why he does so. The people asked him, and he replied: I like to recite this Surah. The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Inform him that Allah Almighty also loves him.
Hadith Referenceصحیح ابن حبان / كتاب الرقائق / 793
Hadith Gradingفضيلة الشيخ الإمام محمد ناصر الدين الألبانيصحيح - «صحيح سنن النسائي» (949): ق.فضيلة الشيخ العلّامة شُعيب الأرناؤوطإسناده صحيح على شرط مسلم، رجاله ثقات رجال الشيخين غير حرملة فمن رجال مسلم.