It is narrated from Sayyidah Aishah (may Allah be pleased with her) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "The servants are the servants of Allah and the lands are the lands of Allah. So whoever revives barren land, it is his, and the one with an unjust root has no right."
Hadith Referenceالسنن الكبرى للبيهقي / كتاب إحياء الموات / 11780