It is a sound ḥadīth. (1)
389 – Muʿādh (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ took him by the hand and said, “O Muʿādh, by Allah I truly love you. I counsel you, O Muʿādh, never leave off—at the close of every prayer (2)—saying: ‘O Allah, help me to remember You, to thank You, and to worship You in the best way.’” A sound narration, related by Abū Dāwūd and al-Nasāʾī with an authentic chain.
390 – Anas (may Allah be pleased with him) said: A man was with the Prophet ﷺ when another man passed by. The first said, “O Messenger of Allah, by Allah I love this man.” The Prophet ﷺ asked, “Have you informed him?” He replied, “No.” He said, “Inform him.” So he caught up with the man and said, “Indeed I love you for Allah’s sake.” The man replied, “May He for whose sake you love me love you in return.” Reported by Abū Dāwūd with an authentic chain.
47 – Chapter: The signs of Allah’s love for His servant, and the exhortation to adopt them and strive to obtain them
Allah the Exalted says: “Say, ‘If you love Allah, then follow me; Allah will love you and forgive your sins. Allah is All-Forgiving, Most Merciful.’” (Āl ʿImrān 3:31)
And He, Most High, says: “O you who believe, whoever among you turns back from his religion, Allah will soon bring a people whom He loves and who love Him: humble toward the believers (3), stern toward the disbelievers, who strive in the path of Allah and fear no blame from any critic. That is Allah’s bounty; He bestows it upon whom He wills. Allah is All-Encompassing, All-Knowing.” (al-Māʾidah 5:54)
391 – Abū Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) reported that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ said, “Indeed Allah, the Exalted—”