Sahih Muslim Book 31, Hadith Number 6155.

Chapter : The merits of the companions of the Holy Prophet (may peace be upon him) and of those who are next to them and then of those who are next to them.

This hadith has been reported on the authority of Abu Huraira through another chain of transmitters (but with this variation) that Abu Huraira said: I do not know whether he (the Holy Prophet) said (these words: “Then next”) twice or thrice.