Silsilat al-Ahadith al-Sahihah

Muhammad bin Usamah narrates from his father that Sayyiduna Ja'far, Sayyiduna Ali, and Sayyiduna Zaid bin Harithah (may Allah be pleased with them) gathered together. Sayyiduna Ja'far said: "I am the most beloved to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) among you." Sayyiduna Zaid said: "I am more beloved to the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) than both of you." They said: "Let us go to the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) and ask him." Sayyiduna Usamah bin Zaid (may Allah be pleased with him) says: They all came and sought permission from the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him). The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said to me: "Go and see, who are they?" I said: "Ja'far, Ali, and Zaid, my father! What should I say to them?" The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Give them permission to enter." They all came in and said: "Who is the most beloved to you?" The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Fatimah." They said: "We are asking about the men." The Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Ja'far! Your character resembles my character and your physical appearance resembles my physical appearance, and you are from me and from my lineage. Ali! You are my son-in-law, the father of my children (Hasan and Husayn), and you are from me and I am from you. And Zaid! You are my friend, you are from me, I am your guardian, and you are the most beloved to me among the people."