Kathir bin Abdullah bin Amr bin Awf narrates from his father, and he from his grandfather (may Allah be pleased with him), that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "Whoever revives barren land, he is more entitled to it, and the 'one with an unjust root' ('irq zalim) has no right."
Hadith Referenceالسنن الكبرى للبيهقي / كتاب إحياء الموات / 11813