This hadith has been reported on the authority of Shu'ba with the same chain of transmitters.
Sahih Muslim Book 44, Hadith 248
← Previous Hadith By Him in Whose Hand is my life, you are dearest to me amongst the people. He repeated it thrice.

Sahih Muslim Book 44, Hadith 247 Next Hadith → The Ansar are my family and my trusted friends. and the people would increase in number whereas they (the Ansar) would become less and less, so appreciate the deeds of those from amongst them who do good and overlook their failings.

Sahih Muslim Book 44, Hadith 249